The FT's Lex column made the point: "Takeovers are to chief executives as war is to political leaders: an arena where they can bypass interminable bureaucracy and define history."

The learned writer of the column is referencing what no text book, case study or article seems ever to admit. Namely that companies are run by people with very human aspirations.

Climbers from every corner and cut of society practice their golf and seek out the best club memberships confident that deals are done before ever reaching the boardroom. Despite this common understanding when the time to talk strategy comes about any reference to the human realities is in a hushed whisper.

No one wants a spot light shone on their private affairs however if a self imposed blindness hobbles or disincentives key staff then opportunities will be lost or, potentially more damaging, rash decision may be taken.

UK business needs to rediscover what was a traditional strength in breeding success through understanding the strengths and motivations of exceptional individuals rather than trying to believe that 'safe-hand' practitioners of best practice, cut-and-pasting the latest case study can make world class leaders.