"Management is creative problem solving. This creative problem solving is accomplished through four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The intended result is the use of an organization's resources in a way that accomplishes its mission and objectives." (Higgins, 1994) . "An old maxim states, "Management means looking ahead." This is the first function and also the most important. Without a plan, there is no method or direction in an organization or in one's life" (Creighton, 1998). Managers utilize the planning function to identify and set goals for an organization. In order to select the appropriate goals and determine a plan to achieve the goals three questions must be addressed by the manager. What types of goals are needed and should be pursued by the organization? What is the course of action for attaining the goals? How will resources be allocated within the organization to achieve the goals? The people within the organization are key to the effectiveness and efficiency in determining the strategy in working toward the goals.
             When the plan is finalized the manager determines the processes and the people required to achieve the plan/goals. During the organizing stage an organization structure will be developed and implemented by the organization. The organizational structure will include determining the players in the organization and the roles each will have in accomplishing the plan. Once the structure is determined activities will be identified, separated by type of activity and delegated to the members of the organization that have the best skills to accomplish each task. The manager's responsibility in the leading stage of management is to motivate and influence the people within the organization to follow the plan to accomplish the organizational goals. Influencing the behaviors and attitudes of members of the organization establishes a leadership positi...