So, where's Gemba? And why are our people going there? In Lean lingo, "gemba" means the actual place where work is done, whether it's the OR at Children's or a Toyota plant in Japan.

Ever since we started using Lean methods, staff members have been going to gemba, both at Children's and at local companies, to observe how these principles are put into practice.

This month, for the first time ever, a group of 22 leaders from throughout the hospital is visiting the Toyota plant in Japan. On this blog, you can read about what they're learning and post your questions and comments.