At a time of widespread corporate failure we place greater emphasis than ever on the importance of hero leaders able to command stratospheric rewards, despite often leading firms to failure.

In this excellent book, Bones examines why we remain so in thrall to the power of self-centric leaders as opposed to dwelling on the environmental factors for success. It is as telling as it is timely. He presents a well-argued attack not just on specifics such as bankers' pay but also on ideas such as the notion of a perfect leader.

He claims this talent myth, that ultra-high performers are the key ingredient in success, has grown in combination with a celebrity-obsessed society—"the L'Oréal generation", who want to share in the lifestyle of celebrities and demand rewards to make it possible "because they're worth it". But true leadership is about engaging others to work for everybody.

For all his exposure of market failings, Bones wants the market to succeed. What we need are more leaders with an inherent understanding of right and wrong and a desire to work for all the owners of a business.