Effective leadership is paramount to the success of any corporation. On a daily basis, managers at all levels are required to make leadership decisions to accomplish company objectives. Effective leaders, at a minimum, must be able to motivate employees and quell conflicts. Companies such as Kellogg's, Dell, Jet Blue, Macy's, the U.S. Amy, HP, OMX, and the University of Minnesota span a wide range of industries and will serve to illustrate the importance of leadership. Comparisons will be drawn and contrasts highlighted to show how leadership can be applied and molded to fit any situation regardless of industry, company culture, or personalities.
             Every organization has goals identified and use managers to help reach them-and the eight companies researched are no different. Each company was after one thing-greater power. Power can be loosely defined as the ability to bring about change (Beyond Intractability, 2007). The Kellogg's company wanted to be a part of the NYSE in order to expand their business and gain power. Dell was interested in keeping a solid reputation so they could maintain power over a solid customer base. Jet Blue realized higher profits through more efficient use of resources which in turn raised their power level over competitors. Macy's desired increased power and became a national distributor by acquiring competitors. The U.S. Army needed power over the battlefield and made it a reality through power distribution throughout the organization. HP gained more power through re-organization of company resources. OMX actually gained power by going out of business. Finally, the University of Minnesota union members gained more power through forceful negotiations. The ultimate goal of all organizations is power.
             All of the companies are struggling with one form of reorganization or another, due to rising costs, increased competition, and globalization. Some of the companies are resorting to sim...