Gemba Walk Starting Now

What is a Gemba Walk and why you should start going on them.

Josh D. Ether

9/25/20222 min read

What is a Gemba Walk?

A Gemba Walk is an observational technique used to assess a process and identify areas of improvement. The name Gemba comes from the Japanese word "genba" which means "real place". The idea is that by observing the work being done in the "real place", you can get a more accurate understanding of what is happening and identify areas for improvement.

Gemba Walks can be used in a variety of different contexts, but they are commonly used in product development. They can be used to assess whether a process is working as intended, identify areas of improvement, and build better relationships between managers and employees.

Why should you go on Gemba Walks?

Gemba Walks can be an incredibly valuable tool for product development. They can help you to assess whether a process is working as intended, identify areas of improvement, and build better relationships between managers and employees.

There are a few key reasons why you should consider going on Gemba Walks:

  1. You can get a first-hand look at the work being done.

  2. You can identify bottlenecks and areas of improvement.

  3. You can build better relationships with employees.

  4. You can see the work in the context in which it is being done.

How can you get the most out of Gemba Walks?

  1. Go with a clear purpose in mind.

  2. Ask lots of questions.

  3. Take your time.

  4. Be open-minded.

  5. Follow up.

What are some common mistakes people make when doing Gemba Walks?

While Gemba Walks can be incredibly valuable, there are a few common mistakes that people make when doing them:

  1. Not having a clear purpose.

  2. Not asking enough questions.

  3. Not taking enough time.

  4. Being too closed-minded.

  5. Not following up.

How can you make sure your Gemba Walks are successful?

  1. Have a clear purpose.

  2. Ask lots of questions.

  3. Take your time.

  4. Be open-minded.

  5. Follow up.