GEMBA is a Japanese term for the phrase "the real place". It specifically describes a place where the real action of a company or organization takes place. For instance, in a manufacturing firm, GEMBA is the factory where the manufacturing process takes place. GEMBA walk would, therefore, be a leader's or manager's activity that involves getting out of their offices and take a tour to the areas where the real work takes place. It helps them come into contact with the real work.
Importance of GEMBA walk
There are several benefits of a GEMBA walk: First, the leaders and the employees are able to build relationships with each other. This will increase the trust they have for each other and hence work efficiently without any fear of the unknown. The leaders are also able to know the challenges that the employees have regarding the production process and equipment, their welfare, and the performance expectations from the leaders. This helps them make necessary adjustments according to the goals of the company. This ensures that the workers are doing the right work in the right way. These will enable the company to achieve the goals it has set aside. Continuous contacts between the two parties help the members to be more disciplined. Those who are known to be absent from work or arriving late and leaving early may stop it. The leaders are able to know whether the production rate is the required rate. They would, therefore, make adjustments to the production rate. They are able to know whether their GEMBA has been overstaffed or understaffed hence interfering with the working process. The leaders can be able to give the policies to the members easily and make them understand by discussing it with them.
There are many advantages to taking a GEMBA walk. It inputs a lot when making decisions for the company. Leaders should see the importance and take the walk today