Leadership is universal. The climber who strides to the front on a tricky ridge is a leader. A parent who organises and drives a charity fund raising event is a leader.

Leadership is no longer the preserve of the few – it is an essential role in business that can be learned by those at all levels to use in a range of different situations. Whether it be pharmacy or the wider commercial world, leadership is all-important.

We have seen significant changes in what is required of good business leaders over recent years. Indeed, those business leaders who have not been aware of changing consumer demands have found themselves in serious trouble.

An interesting insight into the changing business environment and the requirements for leaders came in a government review of how innovation in UK business could be increased. The research (a DTI Innovation Review) showed clearly that high performance, innovative businesses (large or small) require:

• Inspirational leadership
• Stronger management skills
• A highly-trained and motivated workforce
• Use of a flexible labour market that promotes diversity and fair treatment
• Workplaces that recognise environmental issues.