All employees are potential leaders and many organisations have taken steps to empower staff at every level. In her second article, Vivien Martin considers what influences our thinking about leadership in the health services, and gives practical guidance on how nurse managers can develop their own and their team’s leadership skills

LEADERSHIP USED to be most often associated with solitary heroic figures, usually men, who were considered to be the inspirations behind organisations, military units or sporting teams. Those who contributed to their success were often seen as ‘followers’ and teamwork was rarely appreciated.