1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
Gemba Walk Strategy and Setup

2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Top Management Commitment is a promise given by the highest-level executives to support specific and critically important programs or initiatives in the organization. In a lean transformation initiative, this includes all activities from setting up and serving on the lean committee, providing resources and training, overseeing implementation, and providing assurance that reflects through all levels.
Their support and commitment do not only have a tremendous influence on the outcome of the project, but is also critical in times where things are not going according to a given plan.
3. HOW TO USE TOP MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT IN THE GEMBA WALK
Top management commitment is a prerequisite for the implementation of any lean practice, including a Gemba Walk. Top management commitment plays an essential role, especially during the time when the Gemba Walk practice strategy is developed and set up activities are carried out. During that time, top management commits to ensure the required resources, like people, time, expectations and authority. It is also important that top management establishes and demonstrates a failure-permitting environment encouraging learning. After the implementation, top management needs to stay committed to the Gemba Walk practice, in order to ensure its ongoing application and roll-out across departments.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Commits to implement Gemba Walks, communicating the decision to deploy Gemba Walks with employees, commits to provide training for employees, commits to ensuring the time for employees to perform Gemba Walks
Facilitator: Supports top management and leaders with Gemba Walk expertise, training requirements, helps with expectation management. S/he also provides coaching and gives feedback about how the Gemba Walks were performed
Team member: Builds awareness about Gemba Walk understanding which is a routine fully supported and encouraged by top management
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Demonstrates the leadership support and commitment, implementing and sustaining the Gemba Walk lean practice
Energizes the whole organization to be part of and adopt Gemba Walks, communicating their relevance and strategic impact to develop a continuous improvement culture
Generates a sense of positivity through all levels
Creates a sense of urgency for change
Minimizes potential conflicts and dissatisfaction among late adopters
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT WITH TOP MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, Bocar Group, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Swisscom and Thermo Fisher Scientific