Gemba Walk

The Gemba Walk is a Lean practice that involves going to the field to directly observe the work. This game allows managers and coaches to better understand processes, identify waste, and promote continuous improvement through direct and engaged observation.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction to the Gemba Walk

   15 min

   The facilitator explains the concept of the Gemba Walk, emphasising that it is an observational approach in the field. They stress the importance of seeing things for oneself to understand processes and identify potential improvements. Participants are encouraged to ask questions to clarify their expectations.

   Tip — Use concrete examples to illustrate the positive impact of this practice in other organisations.

2. 2

   Preparation for the visit

   10 min

   The facilitator asks participants to form small teams and define a clear objective for their Gemba Walk. Each team chooses a specific process or area to observe. The facilitator reminds them of the importance of remaining neutral and observing without judgement.

   Tip — Encourage teams to formulate specific questions they will seek to clarify during their observation.

3. 3

   Field Observation

   30 min

   Teams go to the field to observe the ongoing work. They take notes on their observations, focusing on workflows, interactions, and any potential waste. The facilitator circulates to ensure that teams remain focused on their objective.

   Tip — Remind participants to adopt an active listening posture and to remain open to what they discover.

4. 4

   Team Discussion

   20 min

   Back in the room, each team shares its observations and discusses potential areas for improvement. The facilitator encourages constructive exchange and guides participants in prioritising the most impactful ideas.

   Tip — Use a board to visualise each team's ideas and facilitate the discussion.

5. 5

   Action Plan

   15 min

   Participants develop an action plan to implement the identified improvements. The facilitator helps teams define concrete steps, responsible individuals, and deadlines for each action. They emphasise the importance of follow-up and evaluation of results.

   Tip — Suggest that teams set regular meetings to track the progress of their actions.

Variants

• Conduct the Gemba Walk in pairs with someone from another department to cross perspectives.
• Organise a virtual Gemba Walk using videos or recordings to observe processes remotely.
• Incorporate customer feedback into the analysis to steer observations towards the user experience.