What is Obeya?
Everyone recognizes it, your team is constantly busy putting out fires while strategic goals fade into the background.
No clear overview of what colleagues are doing and meetings that produce little that makes effective collaboration difficult.
Imagine walking into a room where all goals, actions and obstacles are clearly visible at once. This is exactly what an Obeya combined with the Leading with Obeya method (LWO) can do for your organization.
To learn more, follow the online intro session with author Tim Wiegel or read more.
Leading with Obeya (LWO) explained
Obeya is a powerful tool that creates overview and focus, but it is the combination with the LWO method that really takes Obeya to the next level. It combines visual management with structured routines that allow teams to focus on what is really important, make meetings more effective and thus make collaboration easier.
Want to know how this works in practice? Watch the video to the right, in which author Tim Wiegel explains the power of Leading with Obeya. Ready to get started? Click below to get started with the free introductory e-Learning for a sneak peek or download the Starter Guide if you prefer to read.
Where does Obeya come from?
Obeya, Japanese for “big room,” is a visual management tool that helps teams achieve goals by working together with focus and clarity. In an Obeya, all relevant information, goals and challenges of a team come together in one place, visually represented, to communicate and make decisions more effectively.
In an Obeya, you work with three key core aspects:
- A team focused on a common goal: Everyone works together with a focus on the same end goal.
- Overview: Clear visualizations help teams understand steps toward the goal.
- Structured problem solving: Obstacles are quickly identified and effectively addressed.
Obeya was developed at Toyota in the mid-1990s during the creation of the Prius. Due partly to a tight deadline, Takeshi Uchyamada’s team developed a new form of collaboration. This approach-“seeing, learning and acting together”-lead to the Prius, a well-built production than its predecessor and a car that runs twice as economically.
Difference Obeya and Leading with Obeya (LWO).
Obeya is a visual management tool that helps teams gain an overview, set clear goals and improve collaboration. But what exactly does the Leading with Obeya (LWO) method entail?
Leading with Obeya is a complete management method that uses an Obeya. As shown in the picture, the LWO method consists of 5 boards and 7 principles that helps teams consitently grow and improve.
Leading with Obeya (LWO) method focuses on:
- Deals with complexity: Building shared imaging with the team.
- Supporting thought processes: Through strong thought processes and tight routines.
- Setting clear goals: We only win if we all win.
- Continuous improvement: A structured approach for growth and better decision-making.
What is an Obeya room ?
An Obeya (large room) consists of five different boards that visually represent all the tasks and goals of an organization. The five boards within an Obeya are focused on the following topics: Strategic Direction, Performance, Plan for Value, Difficult Problems and Act & Respond.
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Strategic Direction: How do we achieve the strategic goals?
The Strategic Direction board helps teams clearly articulate and achieve strategic goals. It provides insight into the direction of the organization and what resources are needed to achieve these goals. This translates strategy into clear actions that are supported by the entire organization.
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Prestaties: Verhoogt productiviteit en inzicht
The Performance Board provides an overview of operational goals and key indicators that measure progress. Teams gain insight into what is going well and where improvement is needed, allowing them to take targeted action to increase productivity.
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Plan to Value: Ensure efficient workflows
Met het Plan naar Waarde-bord prioriteren teams taken en plannen ze acties die maximale waarde leveren voor klanten en de organisatie. Het bord ondersteunt een efficiënte aanpak van ad hoc werkzaamheden en zorgt voor een soepele workflow binnen teams.
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Difficult Problems: Solve problems structurally
The Difficult Problems board helps teams identify obstacles and their causes. A structured approach prevents symptom control and makes structural improvements, allowing teams to focus on strategic and operational goals.
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Act & Respond:Flexibel reageren op verandering
The Act & Respond board supports teams in responding to daily challenges and requests. It helps leaders respond effectively to new situations while maintaining focus on strategic goals and efficient team collaboration.
Want to set up your own Obeya room? At our partner ObeyaBoards.com, you’ll find high-quality boards and materials to help your team get off to a successful start.
Why work with Obeya?
Key benefits at a glance:
- Overview: Bring all goals, information and priorities together in one place for a clear overview.
- Focus on strategic goals: Ensure teams are focused daily on what really matters.
- Better collaboration: Improve collaboration with shared insights and clarity on priorities.
- Effective meetings: Make meetings productive, focused on action and results that matter.
- Continuous improvement: Drive growth and better decision-making with a structured approach that works.
Ready to get started?
- Start your journey with Leading with Obeya by downloading our Starters Guide and discover how to get started with this powerful method right away!
- Or view real-world examples and learn from others how Obeya connects strategy and operations.
Who it’s for.
The Leading with Obeya method is appropriate for any team working together toward a common goal, regardless of the size or industry of your organization. Whether you struggle with a lack of oversight, unproductive meetings, or silos that make collaboration difficult, this method offers a solution.
Getting Started: Get Started Leading with Obeya
1. Get more information for free: Download the free Getting Started Guide or register for the introduction session to learn all about Obeya and the Leading with Obeya method.
2. Choose a training that suits you: If you’re convinced, you can check out our training offerings here.
We are ready to help you! Do you have questions, comments, or want advice on choosing the right Obeya training? Feel free to contact us and our experts will be happy to guide you to the best start with Leading with Obeya.
Start using Obeya!
Are you interested in getting an effective start with the Leading with Obeya method? An excellent idea that you and your team are sure to reap the benefits of. If you want to find out more about the method, here are some ways to get started:
- Read the book
- Do a certified training course, by yourself
- Take the 3-day Obeya Kickstart course with your entire team
- Join the LWO Network where you will find templates and materials, meet other Obeya users and get other extras for your level of training
- Engage experienced coaches from Obeya Coaching withwhom you can spar or who can visit every now and then to make your Obeya a success.
Would you like to learn more about Obeya, our training courses or the book? Please feel free to contact us. Did you know that you can also gain more knowledge from other managers who apply the Obeya method? You can read more about our network here.
