43| Human-Centered Leadership Using Kata, Obeya, and Omotenashi: Japanese Management Masterclass Part 2 [with Tim Wolput]

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement and Lean Change Leaders

What’s the real purpose behind the Japanese practices integral to lean management —like kata, obeya, and A3 reports?

These methods are often misunderstood as mere templates or formats, without recognizing the deeper meaning and intention that drive their impact.

In this episode, we’re picking up on my conversation with Tim Wolput, Japanologist, Toyota Way management expert, and former World Aikido Champion, in Part 2 of this masterclass on Japanese culture and management.

Tim brings a unique perspective on the connection between martial arts and leadership—exploring how practices like kata, obeya, and omotenashi (the spirit of hospitality) can be applied to transformational leadership in your organization.

YOU’LL LEARN:

• What it means to flip the pyramid, highlighting the difference between servant leadership and traditional top-down leadership
• What the tea ceremony teaches us in looking beyond transactional thinking
• The essence of obeya in being more than a space to display information and manage initiatives, but process for people development and collaboration
• The importance of holding precious what it means to be human in leadership
• The concept of “ichigo ichie” and embracing the uniqueness of the present moment

In episode 42, we explored how Samurai and rice farming shaped Japanese leadership and how it differs from Western management. If you missed it, hit pause and listen now before continuing this episode!

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Tim Wolput is a Japanologist and Toyota Way Management expert passionate about helping people transform themselves, their organizations, and the world for the better. Since 2023 Tim has been my in-country partner for my immersive Japan Leadership Experiences. Originally from Belgium, Tim has lived in Japan since 1999 where he attended Tokyo University Graduate School where he studied the history of traditional Japanese mathematics. He is also the 2005 World Champion in Aikido. Tim is a certified Toyota Way Management System instructor and consultant to global organizations on Lean, Agile, and Toyota Production System (TPS).

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/43
• Listen to Part 1 with Tim Wolput: ChainfOfLearning.com/42
• Connect with Tim Wolput: linkedin.com/in/timwolput
• Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn about my Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

01:54 The meaning and practice of Aikido and lessons for leadership and lean management

06:20 What it means to flip the organizational pyramid and how it relates to supportive and servant leadership

09:37 Importance of kata in Japanese culture

17:24 The ritual of the tea ceremony and how it relates to business and customer service

21:05 Disadvantages of replacing humans with machines to get things done

22:40 The concept of obeya, visual management, and people development

25:30 The importance of being people focused rather than tools and processes to reach goals