This book has been stimulated by the author's continuing work as a programme tutor on the national Medical Leadership development programmes run through the Centre for Health Planning & Management at the University of Keele, together with three years part-time working with the Centre for the Development of Healthcare Policy & Practice at the University of Leeds. The experience of working with colleagues in these settings, together with his own consultancy work, has convinced the author of the centrality of clinical leadership to the success of health care organisations - and therefore also of the need to develop that leadership. While aware that much excellent work was going on, it was also clear that this emerging good practice needed to be brought together into a single publication which captured the innovation and challenge in as comprehensive a way as possible. This book is for leaders at all levels in the NHS, spanning board and executive levels to directorate, network and front line leadership roles. It is also of value to those involved in leadership development, education and research.