The myth of the strong leader? BBC Radio 4, 2014. Is it better to lead from the front, or advise from the side-line?

“Host Tom Sutcliffe asks whether it’s better to lead from the front, or advise from the side-line. Richard Hytner celebrates the latter: those who wield influence and authority away from the limelight.

Archie Brown, Emeritus Professor of Politics, University of Oxford,
Richard Hytner, Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide Deputy Chairman,
Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s Chief of Staff 1997-2007, now of the the charity Inter Mediate which works on armed conflicts around the world, author of The New Machiavelli: How to Wield Power in the Modern World,
Heather Rabbatts, barrister, broadcaster, former CEO and deputy CEO in politics and business.

BBC Radio 4 ‘Start the Week’. First broadcast Monday 12 May 2014 09:00 

Host Tom Sutcliffe asks whether it’s better to lead from the front, or advise from the side-line.

Richard Hytner celebrates the latter: those who wield influence and authority away from the limelight.

Heather Rabbatts draws on her experience as a Deputy and a Chief Executive in both politics and business.

The academic Archie Brown looks back at the history of political leadership and questions whether strong leaders are the most successful and admirable.

Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell turns to Machiavelli’s The Prince for a primer on the art of government.
Producer: Katy Hickman

Listen here (43 mins); The myth of the strong leader

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