Toyoda Chairperson's Sincere Speech to Frontline Managers
In a recent gathering at the Toyota Group training facility, KIZUNA, in Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture, the genba leaders of Toyota Group companies came together with Chairman Akio Toyoda. The event, held two weeks after Chairman Toyoda's initial briefing, was a follow-up to a Q&A session that was featured in a previous episode of Toyota Times News [1].
During the gathering, Chairman Toyoda took a hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of cultural reform and personal visits to the factory floor. He acknowledged that merely asking "Is everything okay?" is insufficient, and regular presence and close observation are necessary to truly understand the situation and foster better communication and problem-solving at genba (the workplace or "real place" in Toyota terms) [2].
Chairman Toyoda also addressed the genba leaders' concerns about dealing with feelings of isolation and engaging with young employees and colleagues at work. He demonstrated humility in admitting that Toyota had neglected genba visits in the past, reinforcing that cultural reform is an ongoing, never-ending process [1][2].
Vice President Nakajima supported this approach by describing how monthly TPS Jishuken (Toyota Production System study) sessions bring together various related companies to collaboratively address problems and concerns, demonstrating a committed effort to work across the entire Toyota group.
Moreover, the honest conversations between the genba leaders and Chairman Toyoda are the subject of a video, providing insight into the concerns and questions raised by the genba leaders and Chairman Toyota's responses [1].
Notable attendees included Akira Miura, the Dakar Rally winner, who posed a question about dealing with isolation as a company driver for Toyota Auto Body. Chairman Toyota responded with a focus on the importance of open communication and continuous improvement [1].
In summary, Chairman Toyoda's approach was to lead by example with regular direct engagement on the floor, focusing on cultural reform, listening beyond formal interactions, and continuously working to uncover real problems through firsthand observation and steady communication [1][2]. The gathering concluded with the Chairman and participants leaving the KIZUNA training facility, marking the end of a productive and insightful discussion.
[1] Toyota Times News, (2023). Toyota Group Leaders Gather at KIZUNA Training Facility to Discuss Cultural Reform. Retrieved from https://toyotatimes.com/2023/03/toyota-group-leaders-gather-at-kizuna-training-facility-to-discuss-cultural-reform/
[2] Toyota Times News, (2023). Chairman Toyoda's Response to Genba Leaders' Concerns: A Focus on Cultural Reform and Open Communication. Retrieved from https://toyotatimes.com/2023/03/chairman-toyodas-response-to-genba-leaders-concerns-a-focus-on-cultural-reform-and-open-communication/
- The gathering at the Toyota Group training facility, led by Chairman Akio Toyoda, underscored the importance of leadership in finance and business, as illustrated by his focus on cultural reform, open communication, and continuous improvement.
- In his address, Chairman Toyoda emphasized the need for the genba leaders to understand the needs of the young employees and colleagues in business, acknowledging that Toyota had neglected genba visits in the past and emphasizing the ongoing nature of cultural reform.
