Unclear on the Lean Concept: Gemba Walks

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Here's the third cartoon collaboration with artist Carrie Schurman, CMA (AAMA), a workflow facilitator at a health system in Florida. See all of the cartoons here. More to come!

This cartoon is not inspired by any particular incident or any real health system, but it was based off my random thought about what would happen IF a senior executive really misunderstood the intent of a “Gemba Walk.”

gemba walk cartoon 2014

Clearly, gemba walks aren't about exercise. They're about observing in the workplace and being present to listen to employees in the spirit of servant leadership. A leader, of course, shouldn't brush off an employee who wants to talk to them or raise a concern.

I hope your leaders aren't breaking out the headbands and hand weights…

Are there any “real” gemba walk errors that you've seen in your experience?

You can see more of Carrie's artwork on her Tumblr site: http://theorganconspiracy.tumblr.com/


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If you’re working to build a culture where people feel safe to speak up, solve problems, and improve every day, I’d be glad to help. Let’s talk about how to strengthen Psychological Safety and Continuous Improvement in your organization.

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Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker, and podcaster with experience in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. Mark's latest book is The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation, a recipient of the Shingo Publication Award. He is also the author of Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More, Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, and the anthology Practicing Lean, previous Shingo recipients. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.

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