ABSTRACT
The only thing of real importance that leaders do is to create and manage culture. For every improvement in the design and operation of key systems as well as the investment made in raising the skills and capabilities of leaders to model the principles of respect and humility, we have seen a rise in performance. Abbott is a global, broad-based healthcare company devoted to discovering new medicines, technologies, and ways to manage health. The Abbott Diagnostics Division provides accurate, timely information to better manage health. The journey toward operational excellence started in 2009 when managers at Longford started participating in Abbott Ireland's annual multidivisional Leadership Excellence Program. The projects that were initiated through this program emphasized key elements of the Cultural Enablers dimension. The focus on Lean Six Sigma training and awareness also extended to a program called Accelerate.
