EPISODE · Mar 23, 2011 · 24 MIN
Gemba Walks and Lean Leadership Lessons with Jim Womack *
from Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond · host Mark Graban
Show notes: https://www.leanblog.org/116 Remastered July 2021 Episode #116 brings us Jim Womack, founder and former Chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute, now their Senior Advisor and author of the new book "Gemba Walks," available in paperback, Kindle format, iBooks, and other formats (see lean.org for a link). Here, we talk about the new book, how a gemba walk differs from "management by walking around," some of his most memorable walks, progress in lean healthcare, and other topics. We recorded two podcasts in the same sitting. The next one will be out in a few weeks, with his thoughts on recent developments with GM and Toyota, his reflections on the word "lean," his thoughts on six sigma, and more. To point others to this, use the simple URL: www.leanblog.org/116. You can leave comments there, as well. For earlier episodes of the Lean Blog Podcast, visit the main Podcast page at www.leanpodcast.org, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or via Apple iTunes. If you have feedback on the podcast, or any questions for me or my guests, you can email me at [email protected] or you can call and leave a voicemail by calling the "Lean Line" at (817) 776-LEAN (817-776-5326) or contact me via Skype id "mgraban". Please give your location and your first name. Any comments (email or voicemail) might be used in follow ups to the podcast.
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What this episode covers
Jim Womack, founder and senior advisor of the Lean Enterprise Institute, joins Mark Graban to discuss his book Gemba Walks and what leaders truly learn by going to where the work is done. Jim explains why gemba walks are fundamentally different from “management by walking around,” and how following value streams end-to-end reveals the real gaps between how organizations think work happens and how it actually happens. He shares stories from manufacturing, historic industrial sites, and healthcare organizations, where skilled professionals often work heroically inside broken systems. The conversation explores lean leadership behaviors, the challenge of aligning vertical organizations with horizontal value creation, and why sustainable improvement requires senior leaders to change their own habits—not launch short-term programs. Jim also reflects on the early days of Lean in healthcare, the cultural barriers that remain, and why Lean thinking may be one of the few viable paths to better outcomes, experiences, and costs. This episode offers timeless lessons on leadership, learning, and seeing reality clearly—whether you’re new to Lean or deep into the practice.
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Gemba Walks and Lean Leadership Lessons with Jim Womack *
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