Despite being in dire situation now because of prolonged recession, Japan during its heyday, had some of excellent management ideas. One of them is being at the GEMBA - at the workplace - at the shopfloor or selling area. It is another term for MBWA - Management by Walking Around Some FMCG manufacturing companies hold their board meetings at the end of a manufacturing line where they examine the product do the taste test. Probably, they do too at supermarket shelves at point of sales.
This was a striking contrast to the lady head of security service of govt office in US who was grilled by party mates of injured candidate in an assassination attempt. She was ridiculed and bullied for:
1. refusing to answer, 2. that somehow she doesnt know yet, 3. that the situation was still being investigated (after nine days) 4. inconsistent with her statement before hand that buck stops at her office.
A pastor in same state where the assassination attempt took place went to the Gemba - at Butler to see for himself the rooftop where the gunman went up. He saw: the roof slope was not that steep - it rose only probably a foot from the edge. The distance of the roof was that close in actuality. Probably much closer than 140 yards and potshots can be taken. LACK OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS for security personnel and officer the head who has the ultimate responsibility.
Thus its accountability and responsibility for managerial and supervisory position that actually count, at the end of the day.
Be at the GEMBA. Be aware.
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