Many companies embarking on Lean efforts find that their
organization is too rigid and top-down to support the
management principles of Lean and Six Sigma. How to
create the needed flexibility? Start by redefining the
role of middle managers, transforming them from
enforcers to enablers and mentors of front-line workers.
Not only does this new role help the organization
succeed with its Lean Six Sigma efforts, it also
strengthens the leadership pipeline. pdf 2007
