--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I believe that management should focus on…" description: "\"I believe that management should focus on two particular areas. One is Gemba (shop floor) and the other is customer (not the shareholder).\" — Masaaki Imai" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/636/masaaki-imai-29789_areas_i-believe-that-management-should-focus-o_883326.jpg" --- # I believe that management should focus on two particular… ![“I believe that management should focus on two particular areas. One is Gemba (shop floor) and the other is customer (not the shareholder).” quote by Masaaki Imai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/636/masaaki-imai-29789_areas_i-believe-that-management-should-focus-o_883326.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/636/masaaki-imai-29789_areas_i-believe-that-management-should-focus-o_883326.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/636/masaaki-imai-29789_areas_i-believe-that-management-should-focus-o_883326.jpg) > “I believe that management should focus on two particular areas. One is Gemba (shop floor) and the other is customer (not the shareholder).” [Masaaki Imai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/masaaki-imai/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Effective management must prioritize direct workplace observation and genuine customer value over abstract shareholder concerns. **In simple terms:** Focus on shop floor and customers, not just shareholders. Key Takeaway Invest time on Gemba and listening to customers. Themes management customer focus continuous improvement Mood reflective analytical Type advisory strategic When to use this quote - product development - service design - process improvement - employee engagement Key Concepts Kaizen lean thinking value creation Questions to Reflect On - How does Gemba insight change decision making? - What trade‑offs arise when shareholders are deprioritized? A Different Perspective Neglecting shareholder expectations can limit resources for long‑term growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Areas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/areas/) [Believe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/believe/) [Customer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customer/) [Customer Shareholder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customer-shareholder-1074754/) [Customers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customers/) [Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focus/) [Gemba Shop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gemba-shop-1074753/) [I believe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-believe/) [Management](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/management/) [Management Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/management-focus-1074751/) [Particular](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/particular/) [Shareholders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shareholders/) [Shop Floor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shop-floor-1074752/) [Shops](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shops/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) ## Related quotes > [“In the model I'm describing, it is management's responsibility to provide each product team with the specific business objectives they need to tackle. 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