Peter Fenwick says that leaders in sport, politics, religion, academia, business, public service, media and the trade unions often abuse positions of trust.
Peter thinks we have lost the belief that we can do things ourselves. We live with the notion that, if we can't afford some desired service, it should be provided by the government. It is perceived as having an inexhaustible supply of funds. The result is rising debt, unsound money, poor investment decisions and unfair burdens on the productive, the thrifty and the young.
To reverse this trend, Peter says we must take more responsibility for ourselves and not force others to provide for our every need. The solution, according to Peter, is subsidiarity.
Subsidiarity relates to the principle of devolving decision making to the lowest practical level. This means that employees are trusted to manage their own time and make their own decisions (always with the option of seeking advice). This principle allows staff to grow and feel empowered, rather than never daring to try anything.