The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry has shifted into a globally competitive market that is prioritizing innovative advancements in technological capabilities. Corporations are now having to further develop customer-focused strategies grounded in adding value while reducing costs. Large corporations often embrace continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma (LSS), to execute these strategies. Though numerous benefits for continuous improvement programs have been realized, there are several factors that contribute to whether it will be successful or not. The type of leadership styles found within organizations heavily influence the outcomes of implementing the LSS methodology. This paper aims to provide a literature review summary of leadership styles and LSS within the A&D manufacturing industry.