The use of leadership metaphors in the NHS

This article examines the use of leadership metaphors in the NHS. It explores the ways in which metaphors are used, then identifies the most commonly-used metaphors relating to healthcare leadership. Metaphors relating to machines appear to be the most dominant, so the article will consider the implications of this. The potential of the ‘living system’ metaphor as an alternative to this will also be discussed in relation to the development of integrated care systems.