1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
Gemba Walk Strategy and Setup
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Gemba Walk Training Program is the organization’s formal training model which comprises a series of courses, examples, workshops and business simulations, with which the Gemba Walk and associated tools and methods are taught to the leadership team and employees. The Gemba Walk Training Program is typically structured in different levels and frequencies, according to the target audience. Its impact is measured and traced after the training. In many cases, an acknowledgment or recognition is provided to employees who successfully apply the training contents in the organization.
3. HOW TO USE THE TRAINING PROGRAM IN THE GEMBA WALK
A formal Gemba Walk training program will enable leadership and employees to:
Raise awareness about what it means to “Go to Gemba” and why it is important for continuous improvement and team alignment.
Learn the Gemba Walk methodology to better prepare before starting the Gemba Walks, providing detailed insights about how to perform it and what to do after.
Perform the coaching and give feedback during the Gemba Walk, enabling personal development and the continuous improvement of the practice and the way it is used within the organization.
The Gemba Walk training is a vital step to be carried out before the first Gemba Walk takes place, and it goes hand in hand with top management commitment and the Gemba Walk change agent role.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Commits the time and resources of the employees to attend the training, lead by example
Facilitator: Develops and delivers the training
Team member: Attends the training, builds understanding, knowledge, and experience of the Gemba Walk. Eager to learn and apply the lessons learned to perform Gemba Walks.
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Establishes a Go-to-Gemba culture across all levels of the organization
Enables effective and successful Gemba Walks
Creates a structured knowledge-transfer framework
Ensures the right skills and knowledge are passed to the right people at the right time
Creates a skilled workforce
Elevates employee motivation and morale
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT DEVELOP GEMBA WALK TRAINING PROGRAMS
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, Bocar Group, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Swisscom and Thermo Fisher Scientific