This thesis examines the leadership implications of skilful relating for decision making in clinical cancer networks in Queensland Health, Australia. It is the outcome of a five year research partnership with the Queensland Health Clinical Cancer Networks. The study took place in the period following the Queensland Health Systems Review (Queensland Health, 2005), which was triggered by events in Bundaberg Hospital, and led to the establishment of clinical networks as a means of strengthening the leadership role of clinicians in the management of health services. The study arose from my deep concerns and frustrations as a health service manager that these networks have failed to produce innovative and creative solutions to the difficult organisational dilemmas facing them. The idea of skilful relating became a useful way to address these concerns and develop an understanding of how leadership can enhance decision making in a clinical network context and lead to creative and innovative solutions to difficult organisational dilemmas.