In business, we talk a lot about the big picture. But <\/span>what happens when we zoom in and focus on the details?<\/span><\/i> That is where Gemba walks come into play. Gemba walks are part of the <\/span>six sigma methodology<\/span><\/a>. They are a way for leaders to get out of the office and see what is happening on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n
In business, the term “walking the floor” refers to physically visiting each area of your company in order to observe what is happening.<\/b> This can include observing employees at their workstations, talking to customers, and generally getting a feel for the day-to-day operations of your business.<\/span><\/p>\n
This is a very important concept in agile environments, as it allows leaders to get a first-hand look at what is working well and what needs improvement. It also helps build relationships with employees and customers, as well as gain a better understanding of the company’s overall culture.<\/span><\/p>\n
What is a Gemba walk?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
There are several reasons why you might want to walk the floor of your company on a regular basis. Here are <\/span>Gemba walk benefits<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n
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The answer to this question depends on the objective of your Gemba walk and your specific business needs. <\/b>However, it is generally recommended that leaders conduct Gemba walks on a regular basis in order to ensure that they are up-to-date on what is happening in their business. A good rule of thumb is to conduct a Gemba walk at least once per week, but this can vary depending on the size and complexity of your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
How often should a Gemba walk take place in your enterprise?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
The amount of time you spend on the floor during a Gemba walk will also depend on the specific needs and specific goals you hope to achieve with this process. However, it is generally recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes on the floor during each visit. This will give you enough time to talk to employees, observe workstations, and get a feel for the overall atmosphere of your company.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here are<\/span> tips for a successful Gemba walk:<\/b><\/p>\n
How long should a Gemba walk take?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Still not sure<\/span><\/i> how to get started with your first Gemba walk<\/span><\/i><\/a>?<\/span><\/i> Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this process.<\/span><\/p>\n
When conducting a Gemba walk, it’s important to have a specific goal in mind. This will help you focus your observations and ensure that you are gathering relevant information. For example, you might want to focus on <\/span>improving safety<\/span><\/a> in your company, or reducing customer complaints. By having a specific goal in mind, you can ensure that your Gemba walk is focused and productive.<\/span><\/p>\n
When conducting a Gemba walk, it’s important to have a structured format. This will help ensure that all areas of your business are covered, and that you are gathering relevant information.<\/span><\/p>\n
One way to structure your Gemba walk is to use the PDCA cycle:<\/span><\/p>\n
Although you want to organize Gemba walks but don\u2019t know where to start, it helps to invest in technology. The <\/span>Gemba walk app<\/span><\/a> is a lean management solution designed for continuous process improvement. By digitizing your Gemba walk, you can optimize efficiency and reduce waste. Gemba walk software is also a great way to thoroughly document issues, reduce data collection time, and quickly assess problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n