Leadership, complexity and the mental health professional. A report on some approaches to leadership training.

Background: Psychiatrists commonly take on a range of leadership roles. These responsibilities are complex because of an environment which is ever-changing, lack of training and competition between disciplines.

Aims: This article outlines some of the issues facing the psychiatrist within the multidisciplinary team and describes a leadership programme initiated in the West Midlands.

Method: A programme of in-house leadership training and increased delegation of leadership roles within one NHS Trust.

Results: These initiatives have been favourably received; but it is recognised that the approach can be further developed.

Conclusion: This basic strategy should be enhanced and delivered more widely.