Former Tory leader William Hague kicked off the Biba conference in Manchester this morning with a speech headlined ‘Lessons of Effective Leadership.'
Drawing comparisons between effective leadership in the political and business arenas Hague highlighted the importance of communication, strategic planning and gaining an understanding of your opponent.
The speech was met with enthusiasm from a strong Biba crowd which welcomed Hague's admission that he is “not the expert on lessons of leadership”.
Close observations of his own party leadership and the style employed by Tony Blair and George Bush, however, did equip him with some knowledge of the subject matter.
Giving “clear direction”, communicating appropriately, creating “small and flat” teams, planning and being able to keep calm in crisis were all tips offered by the former leader of the opposition.
“Respecting and understanding your opponent”, he said, would give strength to your own leadership qualities.
With a few amusing anecdotes Hague underlined the importance of effective leadership.
And in an interesting question and answer session he failed to rule out the possibility of returning to front line politics if the Conservative party won the May general election.