The 11 Principles of Obeya at a Glance

Obeya, a Japanese term meaning "big room," is a management philosophy aimed at enhancing visibility, efficiency, and collaboration within organizations. Relying on principles of transparency and communication, Obeya brings people together in a physical or virtual environment to visualize work, make informed decisions, and promote continuous improvement. Let's examine the 11 foundational principles guiding the Obeya approach.

People Come Together in Respect, Learning, and Action

In Obeya, individuals come together to respectfully observe, learn from, and act upon crucial information. This setting fosters a culture of mutual respect, where every voice is valued, and every contribution matters. The Obeya becomes a space where transparency and shared learning drive focused and meaningful actions.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Participants in the Obeya are actively committed to continuous improvement, overcoming challenges along the way. This principle highlights the significance of a growth mindset, where issues and obstacles are viewed as opportunities for learning and innovation.

Communication of a Strong Sense of Purpose

Obeya conveys a strong sense of purpose, essential for guiding efforts and motivating the team. Clarity of purpose ensures that every task is aligned with the broader objectives of the organization, providing a coherent thread for all undertaken actions.

Link to Organizational Strategy

Purpose is tangibly connected to the organizational strategy through meaningful objectives. This ensures that daily activities are directly linked to the strategic goals of the company, creating a direct line between vision and action.

Connecting Strategy to Execution

Obeya connects strategy to execution, with a visible focus on customer experience. This principle emphasizes the importance of keeping the customer at the heart of every decision, ensuring that strategy always aligns with customer needs and expectations.

Rhythm in Sync with Operational Heartbeat

Obeya meetings follow a rhythm in sync with the organization's "operational heartbeat." This allows discussions and decisions to stay closely connected to the daily workflow, ensuring that strategies are timely and relevant.

Logical and Practical Information Flow

The visuals in Obeya provide a logical and practical flow of information and conversations. This facilitates effective communication, allowing all team members to quickly understand the work's status and contribute meaningfully.

Understanding of the Workflow

Obeya reflects a solid understanding of the workflow from inception to delivery. This ensures that all team members have a clear view of the process, promoting a coordinated and efficient approach to executing the work.

An Attractive and Accessible Area

Obeya is an attractive and accessible area, located near the work floor. This makes it easier for people to participate, encouraging spontaneous collaboration and idea sharing.

Decisions Based on Data

In Obeya, we use evidence driven by analysis to make business decisions. The data-driven approach ensures decisions are informed, objective, and oriented towards measurable outcomes.

Easy-to-Consume, Up-to-Date, Visually

Attractive Information Information presented in the Obeya is designed to be easily consumable, current, and visually appealing. This approach ensures that all participants can quickly grasp and engage with the information, fostering informed decision-making and active participation.