"Akio expresses his ambition to prioritize practical, on-the-ground leadership as president"

Toyota President Akio Toyoda Embraces "Genba" Philosophy

In a Facebook live stream, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, reaffirmed his commitment to being the most "genba-oriented" president since January 2009. The term "genba" refers to various locations such as production plants, distributors, dealerships, and motorsports circuits, where value is created and problems are solved.

Toyoda views "genba" as the heart of the company, the place where improvement and innovation occur. He often moves around these locations to gain genuine insights about what is happening and what the issues are. This approach allows him to make informed decisions and foster a culture of continuous improvement, or kaizen, within the company.

During the live stream, Toyoda also discussed the origin of Toyota's value. He traced it back to his great-grandfather's invention, the Type G Automatic Loom, which was designed to make work easier by solving problems at the workplace or where things are happening. This philosophy of solving problems at the source is a cornerstone of Toyota's approach to business and manufacturing.

Toyoda's actions reflect his words. He is known to test-drive vehicles at motorsports circuits and provide honest feedback to engineers. He also attends gatherings with new recruits, such as the one held on April 1, 2021, to inspire them with the company's values and philosophy.

However, Toyoda does not make pre-announcements when visiting offices, plants, or dealers. This approach allows him to gain a more authentic and unfiltered understanding of the company's operations.

The "genba" philosophy, with its focus on continuous improvement, is what makes Toyota unique. It is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. As Toyoda continues to lead the company with this philosophy, Toyota is poised to remain a leader in the automotive industry.