1. Method Name

Gemba Leadership

2. Alternative Names

Gemba Walk for Leaders, Executive Gemba Walk

3. Brief Description

Leadership Gemba is a specific type of Gemba Walk that focuses not on technical problem-solving, but on verifying whether the team is following the strategy, on coaching and developing people, and on removing systemic obstacles. A leader goes to the Gemba (the place where value is created) not to give orders, but to ask questions, listen, and show respect.

4. Purpose / When to Use

It is used to link strategy to day-to-day reality, to build a culture of continuous improvement, and to demonstrate management’s commitment to Lean principles. It is a key tool for transformational leaders.

5. Procedure / How to Apply It

Unlike an engineering Gemba, a leader focuses on different questions:
1. Preparation: Define the topic/goal of the Gemba (e.g., “How well are we visualizing our work?”, “Do people understand the objectives?”).
2. Go to the Gemba and observe.
3. Ask coaching questions focused on the process and mindset, not on finding someone to blame
: - “What is the goal of this process?”
- “How do you know you’re succeeding?” (How do you measure it?)
- “What problem are you currently working on?
”- “What did you learn most recently?
”- “What’s holding you back? How can I help you remove this obstacle?”
4. Show respect and listen actively.
5. Don’t solve problems on the spot; instead, coach the team to find their own solutions. Remove systemic obstacles that the team cannot influence.

6. A Real-World Example

The plant manager goes on a weekly Gemba Walk to the assembly line. He stops at the team board and asks the team leader: "What was your biggest problem yesterday? What did you do to solve it? What did you learn from it?" In this way, he supports the PDCA cycle and teaches the team to solve problems on their own.

7. Benefits

- Strengthens trust and relationships between leaders and employees
.- Shows respect and interest in people's work
.- Develops problem-solving skills throughout the organization
.- Provides leaders with an unfiltered view of reality.

8. Risks / Limits

- If a leader starts giving orders and solving problems on their own, they undermine the purpose and erode the authority of the team leaders.
- It can be perceived as a “tourist visit” if it is not followed by any action on the part of the leader.
- It requires humility, patience, and coaching skills from the leader.

9. Practical Tips

- Your role is to ask questions, not to provide answers
.- Always close the loop. Let the team know how you handled the obstacle you promised to remove
.- Gemba leadership isn’t a random walk. It should have a clear goal and structure.