Gemba Kaizen is a Japanese concept of continuous improvement designed for enhancing processes. Gemba refers to the location where work is performed, while Kaizen is tied to the improvements. Gemba Kaizen includes identifying changes, making improvements, monitoring changes, and readjusting as necessary. An individual, group of people, or an improvement suggestion system can perform Kaizen. Having a strategic system in place to monitor improvements will lead to great results in the long-term overall improvement.
Typical Roles
Agile CXO
Agile Leader
Agile Team
Desired Behaviors
- 1.
Identify business problems that are recognized by the organization.
- 2.
Observe the known problem using a Gemba Walk.
- 3.
Identify the root cause. Use of lean techniques such as “five why’s” can be useful in identifying root causes.
- 4.
Once the root cause is identified, identify one or more solutions.
- 5.
Work to implement the solution(s). Ensure that all necessary processes or procedures are updated and training is provided.
- 6.
Monitor the improvements and verify that the solution addressed the original business problem.