The word “bullying” conjures up images of unpleasant children beating up smaller children for their lunch money.

Yet now it seems that an adult boss need do no more than speak harshly to an incompetent subordinate to be accused of “bullying in the workplace” – especially if there is the faintest scent of compensation in the air.

Most such complaints of “bullying” trivialise real bullying.

For example, one would think British opposition leaders would want to focus public attention on what they see as the dire state of the economy under the Premiership of Gordon Brown – perhaps even, if it is not naive to suggest it, proposing alternative policies. Instead they have distracted attention from this all-important issue by calling for an inquiry into the way he treats his personal staff.

Most voters could not care less. Indeed, given the obvious uselessness of some of Mr Brown’s flunkies ...

... it might go down well in the real world to hear someone gave them a good beating – as it is, a bit of shouting and the odd telephone being thrown at them is getting off lightly.

That is not to say leaders should shout and throw things. It is the highest proof of true leadership to appear calm and in control even in the worst crisis – indeed, especially in the worst crisis.

This is the proverbial “grace under pressure”.

Displays of hysteria and discourtesy are therefore always counter-productive, but there are times when it is necessary to impress others, especially employees, with your strength of feeling on a particular point.

Great leaders are usually passionate about what they do. They need to convey that passion to those they lead. This can make it difficult for people in their immediate vicinity. Another British Prime Minister was notoriously hard on those around him – but the same people were devoted to him. They realised that, in helping him in his work, they were part of something far greater than themselves. That Premier was, of course, Sir Winston Churchill.

Lesser employers wishing to emulate him should surround themselves with people who share their own passion – and who are grown up enough to accept that being on the receiving end of the odd lapse in good manners is a price worth paying to be part of something special.