Introduction: The Gods that Failed 1

Part One: The Diagnosis 13

1. Practically perfect in every way: The making of the modern leader 15

2. Because we're worth it: The rise of the L'Oreal generation 44

3. Why didn't we see it coming? The loss of liability, stewardship and owner control 67

4. The public gets what the public wants: Values, confidence, trust and reputation in leadership 98

Part Two: The Solutions 125

5. The manifesto for a more authentic business 127

6. Diamonds on the soles of your shoes: The real war for talent 136

7. Moving from warm gestures to cold showers: A reframing of executive reward 166

8. Less is more: The future of leadership and its development in organizations 202

Conclusion: The importance of being earnest. The price of the cult and the value of leadership 229

Index 256