Identify the essence of lean manufacturing, an approach developed by Toyota as a way of achieving quality, flexibility, and cost effectiveness.

A) Military leadership
B) Democratic management
C) Commonsense management
D) Servant leadership

Lean manufacturing is based on commonsense management principles where waste of all forms is minimized, continuous improvement is pursued, and the focus is on creating value for the customer. It emphasizes the importance of empowered and knowledgeable employees who are able to identify and solve problems in real time. Military leadership, democratic management, and servant leadership are not the core principles of lean manufacturing.