First published in 2000. Managers who are able to conceptualize and align management systems with business strategy are more likely to achieve on-the-job results, receive higher performance appraisals, and move up in the organization. This in-depth study of senior, middle and first-line managers examines how successful managers use management systems to achieve high productivity and innovation in their areas of responsibility. In today's fast-paced, dynamic and highly competitive work environment, organizations strive to attract and develop strong leaders and managers. Executive, human resource specialists, organization development and training professionals are vitally interested in learning what qualities or characteristics the best leaders and managers exhibit, and how to develop those qualities in their existing workforce. While previous research has focused on the qualities of strong leader/managers primarily in senior or first-line management positions, this book reports the results of a comprehensive analysis of successful senior, middle and first-line managers in a high technology company. In this book, the reader will learn how the best managers define management systems and align those systems with business strategy in ways that achieve desired business results, and identify them as the leaders of the future.