Two Japanese philosophies — Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu — are good for product managers (PMs) to know. If you are in product management, you will sometimes hear these terms. Knowing these terms, you can also use them yourself. These concepts are not just theoretical but also practical, allowing you to enhance the way products are developed.
Kaizen: The Art of Continuous Improvement
Kaizen, a term melding two Japanese words ‘Kai’ (change) and ‘Zen’ (good), is synonymous with the concept of continuous improvement. This principle is a call to constantly seek betterment in every aspect of a product and your life. In the realm of product management, Kaizen has become a guiding star for an ongoing quest to enhance product features, user experience, and overall satisfaction.
The essence of Kaizen in product management is its alignment with agile methodologies. It’s about embracing an iterative development process, where small, incremental changes are made consistently. This approach is particularly effective in today’s market, where user needs and technological landscapes are constantly shifting. Kaizen encourages product teams to remain adaptable, continuously learning and evolving the product.
Genchi Genbutsu: The Power of On-Site Learning
Genchi Genbutsu, meaning “go and see for yourself,” underscores the importance of understanding situations firsthand. In product management, this is about getting out of the building and into the real world where the product is actually used. When you go and interact with users of your product, you are practicing Genchi Genbutsu by “going and seeing for yourself.”
Genchi Genbutsu urges product managers to move beyond reports and analytics to engage directly with users. Observing the product in action, in its intended environment, provides valuable insights — direct observation can reveal unspoken user needs, unanticipated problems, and untapped opportunities for improvement.
“Get out of the building and learn something.”
Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu in Product Management
When combined, Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu offer a powerful approach to product management. Genchi Genbutsu provides empirical insights — the customer-centric experience of how a product is used and perceived in the world. Kaizen then uses this information as a foundation for continuous, incremental improvements.
Both philosophies are fundamentally customer-centric. They emphasize the end-user’s experience and needs. Kaizen aims to improve the product for the users, while Genchi Genbutsu ensures that these improvements are grounded in real user experiences and challenges.
Implementing Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu establishes a dynamic feedback loop. Observations made through Genchi Genbutsu inform what aspects of the product need improvement. Kaizen then steps in to apply these improvements in a methodical, ongoing process. This cycle of observation, learning, and improvement keeps the product in a state of continuous evolution and refinement.
These philosophies dovetail neatly with agile product management. Agile methods prioritize iterative development, customer feedback, and flexibility in the face of change. Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu reinforce these principles, adding layers of user-focused improvement and real-world learning.
Incorporating Kaizen and Genchi Genbutsu into product management practices offers a robust framework for not just creating but continually enhancing products. These philosophies foster a culture of perpetual improvement and learning, ensuring that products not only meet but exceed user expectations in an ever-changing world. These principles are not novel to product management. Already, these ideas are widely practiced. Knowing these principles by their Japanese names, however, will help you feel comfortable and conversant when someone else mentions them. You are now also empowered to use these terms yourself!