Abstract
Lean management is a systematic approach to continuous improvement requiring those closest to the work to improve their work processes by achieving small, incremental changes that create value for the customer, improve efficiency and productivity, and reduce waste. The role of leadership in a lean organization is not to be the problem solver or the source of all answers. Instead, the primary focus of leadership is to create and facilitate an environment in which the workforce can feel empowered to solve problems. One of the goals of a lean organization is to have the entire organization actively engaged in problem solving, compared to traditional organizations in which 10%–20% of the workforce participates in problem solving.