Leadership Zumba

OK, so tenuous music link in today’s title. Perhaps there is a link. Zumba, does it involve rhythm?

Make Gemba part of a rhythm

It is important Gemba is part of a rhythm or cadence of leadership.

We often talk about Gemba (Genchi Genbutsu; actual place, actual thing), going to see where the work is done to understand a problem, not rely on data and reports alone.

Being seen by those doing the work is also an important part of Gemba. What the highlight from Katie Anderson’s book does is go beyond the learning part of Gemba, the coaching, to actually relate to those employees doing the work. More importantly, through the interactions showing respect and care for every individual.

Schedule the time - play to the beat

How many of us take the time to show this care and respect? Do we wait for a problem before we head out on the Gemba (if we bother at all), or do we make it part of our leadership standard work?

Shigeo Shingo taught that not only is the Gemba where the work is being done, and where the problem might be. It is also where the answers or counter-measures are likely to be, asking and listening to the right people. Another important part of respecting every individual.

Don’t wait - Go See

Make it part of your routine to go see those doing the work, care about the people, listen to their ideas and challenges, coach them to problem solve and encourage their development. This can only help the organisation improve.

References

Anderson K. Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning. Vancouver: Integrand LLC; 2020. ISBN 978‑1‑734850‑60‑4.

Buy Learning to Lead on Amazon UK (Affiliate link - thank you for your support).

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