Every now and then you discover a new phrase that just seems so…. Today it is “Doing the Gemba.” Gemba or Genba is the Japanese term for the real place, or where the action is.
Doing the Gemba is going to where the action is or in American terms, management by walking around (MBWA). But I like Doing the Gemba so much better as it seems so much more Wabi-Sabi than MBWA.
A fundamental part of lean manufacturing philosophy, it enables a manager to see the actual process, ask questions and learn.
But the real benefit of Doing the Gemba is giving your people some attention, in their space, showing you care about their lives, about their work and that you’ve gone out of your way to do it.