💡 Why This Tool Matters
'Go and see' is the most powerful lean practice — and the most skipped. Leaders who stay in offices make decisions based on reports. Leaders who walk the floor make decisions based on reality. But unstructured walks become social tours. This checklist gives your observation a framework: safety first, then quality, flow, 5S, and people. The structure ensures you see what familiarity would otherwise hide.
⚡ Facilitator Pro Tip
Ask, don't tell. The best gemba question is: 'What's making your job harder today?' Then listen. Don't solve it on the spot — capture it, assign it, follow up. A leader who follows up on gemba actions earns trust. A leader who doesn't follow up trains the floor to stop speaking up.
1 Walk Details
2 Observations — SQDCP Categories
Walk the floor, observe, ask questions. Document what you actually SEE, not what you assume.
Safety
PPE? Housekeeping hazards? Ergonomic risks? Machine guarding? Near-miss board?
Quality
Standard work followed? SPC charts current? Scrap visible? Poka-yoke working?
Flow & Delivery
WIP levels normal? Bottlenecks visible? Material at point of use? FIFO maintained?
5S & Visual Management
Floor markings clear? Shadow boards? Boards updated? Red tag area? Is abnormal obvious?
People & Morale
Team engaged? What questions did operators raise? Any concerns? Training happening?
3 Follow-Up
Capture 2-3 specific actions AND positive observations. Recognition is as important as corrective action.
Learn More About This Topic