How to do a Gemba Walk | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Gamble Walk is the act of physically going to the place where work is being done in order to better understand and solve problems, making it an effective tool for project managers.

Key Insights

• 🤗 The Gamble Walk is an effective method for project managers to gain first-hand knowledge and solve problems in real-time.
• ⁉️ Planning, preparation, and the formulation of quality questions are crucial for a successful Gamble Walk.
• 😤 Recognizing and celebrating good work during the Gamble Walk can boost team morale and improve productivity.
• 🪡 Scheduling the Gamble Walk appropriately is important, considering the need for preparedness in some contexts.
• 📽️ The Gamble Walk is not limited to manufacturing and production environments and can be applied to various project management settings.
• 🥡 Reflection and taking actions after the Gamble Walk are essential for implementing improvements.
• 😷 The quality of the questions asked during the Gamble Walk determines the value derived from it.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Gamble Walk and why is it important for project managers?

The Gamble Walk involves physically going to the place where work is being done to understand the challenges, solve problems, and effectively manage projects. It is important because it provides real-time insights and enables better communication with team members.

Q: How can project managers plan and prepare for a successful Gamble Walk?

Project managers should think about what they want to know and the desired outcomes of the Gamble Walk. They should also research and gather information about the processes and challenges to ask informed questions during the walk.

Q: When and how should project managers schedule a Gamble Walk?

Scheduling a Gamble Walk should be done based on the specific context. While unexpected visits are often effective, there may be cases where it is appropriate to notify the manager or supervisor to ensure preparedness and adherence to safety regulations.

Q: What are the key benefits of recognizing and celebrating good work during a Gamble Walk?

Recognizing and celebrating good work during a Gamble Walk can inspire and motivate the team. It creates a positive work environment and encourages continued excellent performance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Gamble Walk is the process of going to the actual location where work is happening to gain a deeper understanding of the situation and address any problems.

• The seven steps for a successful Gamble Walk are: plan, prepare, schedule, observe, recognize, look for opportunities to improve, and take actions afterwards.

• Asking quality questions during the Gamble Walk is essential for extracting valuable information from the team members.