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5 Gemba Principles

A tool for staying connected to your context

Decisions regarding changes you make in your organisation must be made in the context of where the impact of those decisions are felt.

Despite ‘flatter structures’, ‘agile’ work processes, and ‘commitments’ to sustainability, we observe a worrying trend emerging through our everyday work with literally thousands of participants across private, public and NFP sectors. The widening gap between decision-makers and decision-implementers.

In business terms, the Japanese word ‘Gemba’ refers to ‘the place where value is created’. The Gemba Walk originated in the Industrial era, yet its true power of connectedness, collaboration and commitment to change is as relevant (if not more so) today.

If leaders are disconnected from the context within which work is delivered and remain oblivious to the impact of their decisions – we will at best get compliant, but never committed employees. That’s not intelligent advancement in our playbook.

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Comprehend - the then and now

We riff, play with, and imagine what’s possible for the organisation. We seek to understand its intent, purpose, ambition and future aspirations – and reasons for wanting or needing to change.

We then ground this future into its current context, the reality of the ‘gestalt” – what is the lived experience of the organisation? 

What is its current reality/context? What is the whole that is ‘presenced’? We ask questions, observe, do small projects, research, learn boundaries and listen to stories. We see the organisation, the work it does and the essence of its culture at play.

Connect - the now and then

We represent a comprehensive menu of opportunities for progression towards whatever it is the organisation is seeking to achieve – without judgement, nor favour.

The pathways to improvement are many and varied, not linear. Many can be taken at once, and within the limits of resources available at the time.

We seek to leave the organisation ‘response-able’. With the knowledge, methods and capabilities needed to continue to evolve and change its path creatively and courageously as needed and in step with its ever-changing context.

Create - the then and now

We riff, play with, and imagine what’s possible for the organisation. We seek to understand its intent, purpose, ambition and future aspirations – and reasons for wanting or needing to change.

We then ground this future into its current context, the reality of the ‘gestalt” – what is the lived experience of the organisation? 

What is its current reality/context? What is the whole that is ‘presenced’? We ask questions, observe, do small projects, research, learn boundaries and listen to stories. We see the organisation, the work it does and the essence of its culture at play.

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