ABSTRACT
Management is composed of four major processes: planning, organizing, controlling, and leading. Most successful managers have mastered many aspects of planning, organizing, and controlling; however, they often lack the skills, personality, or raw talent to be a successful leader. Lean transformations are cultural movements that need to be led by senior-level executives. Leaders need to recognize when a shift in direction needs to occur within the organization. Leadership is difficult and requires unique characteristics, which many individuals do not possess. A strong leader is a balanced corporate athlete, which requires nutrition, rest, and training to remain at peak performance. Leaders are passionate, focused, and results driven. Leaders leverage and build on their strengths, often filling gaps with those that are complimentary and making sure they understand their weaknesses. The executive leader must not only have the characteristics but must select those in the organization to be leaders and change agents, and he or she must be one as well.
