There is a stream of literature which aims to turn ineffectual executives into formidable Churchills. There is little faith, though, in those who run the BBC, the EU, the NHS or for politicians and corporate CEOs. While there are charismatic individuals around, too few seem prepared to take responsibility, act decisively or even have confidence in their own judgement. ‘The buck stops here’ seems to have been replaced by passing the buck. Bringing in outsiders to advise on organisations’ internal problems, speaks to a trend to outsource responsibility. Can a diploma in leadership help? A panel of those in the know discuss the possibilities at the Battle of Ideas.
