Gemba for Beginners: Why Leaders Need to Go See the Work

From The Lean Solutions Podcast by Patrick Adams

April 28, 2026 · 32 min · Season 5 · Episode 16

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of GEMBA in Lean leadership and how leaders can better understand their processes by observing the real work environment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: In this episode, Patrick Adams and Shayne Daughenbaugh break down the true meaning of GEMBA and why it’s a foundational practice in Lean leadership. You’ll learn how going to the “real place” helps leaders move beyond assumptions and understand what’s actually happening in their processes. The conversation highlights why many leaders avoid the gemba. Often due to fear, ego, or lack of clarity. Also, how shifting to a mindset of curiosity, humility, and vulnerability can change everything. They also explore how to approach GEMBA in both manufacturing and knowledge work environments, emphasizing the importance of building trust, creating psychological safety, and following up on what you hear. If you’ve ever struggled to connect with your team, understand your processes, or drive meaningful improvement, this episode gives you a simple, practical way to start. Key Takeaways: GEMBA is about understanding reality—not relying on assumptions Leaders should approach the gemba with curiosity, not judgment Trust is built through consistency, follow-up, and psychological safety Start small—pick one process, observe, listen, and learn before acting Links…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Adams

Guest: Shayne Daughenbaugh

Topics covered

GEMBA
Lean leadership
curiosity
psychological safety
trust building
process improvement

Keywords

GEMBA
Lean leadership
process observation
trust
psychological safety
curiosity
team connection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lean Solutions