title: Focus on chief executives.
abstract: According to the King's Fund, there is widespread perception of a 'crisis of leadership' in the NHS, partly illustrated by the difficulties in recruiting and retaining chief executives. The Chief Executive's Tale, a report published by the King's Fund and NHS Partners, draws on the experiences of 12 departed, or departing, chief executives, to highlight the realities of leadership in today's health service. The interviews illustrate positive aspects of the role, as well as challenges that need to be addressed to retain experienced leaders and recruit the next generation.