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Gemba walk

30 minutes 4 blocks Free template

Go see, ask why, show respect: state the purpose, observe the process, explore what-if options, then check purpose, process and people.

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Opens in the builder. No sign-up to try it; 14 days free to run it live.

By the end of this meetingThe leader understands what the team is trying to achieve, what blocks it, and which options to explore.

30 min · 4 blocks, drawn to scale Fits exactly
  1. Purpose: what are you trying to achieve? Why can't you?, 3 minutes 3
  2. Observe the process: ask what, then why, 15 minutesDiscuss 15
  3. Explore options: what if? why not?, 8 minutesBrainstorm 8
  4. Check purpose, process and people, 4 minutes 4
08152330 min
  1. +0′Purpose: what are you trying to achieve? Why can't you?In one word: what's in the way today?3 minCheck-in
  2. +3′Observe the process: ask what, then whyTip: Observe first; don't jump to solutions.15 minDiscuss
  3. +18′Explore options: what if? why not?What did you observe, and what if we tried something else?8 minBrainstorm
  4. +26′Check purpose, process and peopleTip: Do no harm.4 minWrap-up

Why it works

Built so the gemba walk ends on time, with everyone in it.

  • Every voice in the first minutes

    A 3-minute check-in: everyone sends a mood and one word from their phone, and it shows on their tile in the call. People who speak early speak again.

  • Discussion with a clock

    15 minutes of open floor with a countdown everyone can see, and a talk-balance meter so the loudest voice doesn't take all of it.

  • Ideas from every phone

    Everyone types at once and ideas land on the shared screen together. The quiet person's idea gets the same space as everyone else's.

  • Wraps up on time

    Decisions and actions are read back, the summary is already written, and a finish on time earns the confetti.

How to run it

  1. 1Go to where the work is done instead of prescribing from afar.
  2. 2Start by asking what the team is trying to achieve and why they can't.
  3. 3Observe the process and ask what, then why, before suggesting anything.
  4. 4Explore options with what if and why not, and don't use a tool for the tool's sake.
  5. 5Show respect throughout, and end by checking purpose, process and people.

Questions about the gemba walk

What is a gemba walk?
Leaders go to where the work is done to go see, ask why and show respect, in order to improve the process.
What questions should you ask on a gemba walk?
What are you trying to achieve, and why can't you? What is happening, and why? Then explore options with what if and why not.
How long is a gemba walk?
The Lean Enterprise Institute source does not set a length or cadence. This template uses 30 minutes.

Built from

The structure, timings and tips on this page come from these sources.

  • lean.org

Run it with your team

  • A countdown for every block on the shared screen
  • A video call that changes with each block
  • Check-ins and votes from every phone, no app
  • Decisions and actions in a scored summary

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