The Japanese concept of “gemba” (現場) literally means “the actual place” – where the real work happens. Traditionally used in manufacturing to emphasize the importance of being present on the factory floor, this principle holds profound wisdom for our modern work lives, especially as we navigate the balance between productivity and human connection.
In our digital age, work can happen anywhere. While this flexibility is liberating, it can also lead to isolation. As someone who values both focused work time and human energy, I’ve learned that the most productive “gemba” isn’t always the quietest or most isolated space. Sometimes, it’s where the hum of human activity provides an energizing backdrop to our efforts.
For remote workers, your gemba might be:
- A local coffee shop where the gentle buzz of conversation and clinking cups creates ambient energy
- A hotel lobby where the ebb and flow of visitors brings fresh perspective
- A coworking space where simply seeing others in their flow state can inspire your own productivity
For office workers, remember that your gemba extends beyond your desk:
- Set a timer to remind yourself to move every 90 minutes
- Make the break room part of your gemba routine – those “water cooler moments” often spark unexpected solutions
- Transform a one-person task into a walking meeting, combining fresh air, movement, and connection
The magic of gemba lies in its reminder that real work happens in real places among real people. While we can certainly be productive in isolation, there’s an intangible energy that comes from sharing space with others – even if we’re all working independently.
Consider this: Some of your best ideas might come not from staring at your screen, but from the serendipitous conversations and observations that happen when you make yourself available to the world around you. After all, innovation rarely happens in isolation; it sparks from the collision of ideas and energies that only human interaction can provide.
Where will you find your gemba today?
Happy Networking!