Embracing Obeya: Confucius and the Roots of a Transformational Mindset

This is the first in a series about “Obeya.” Obeya (大部屋) is a Japanese word that translates to “big room.” Many companies use Obeya nowadays to create transparency in the connections between strategy, execution, results, and people, with the intent of effectively achieving goals.

I am Jasper Lamers. In the winter of 2025, I passed my Obeya Coach exam. I work as a transformation consultant for Xebia (Netherlands), mainly helping companies to be more successful by working  more effectively  in a lasting way. In my free time, I create movies, write books, and play in a punk/rock band. I have a master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. My primary drivers are “connection” and “authenticity.”

Obeya has it all: it’s fundamentally simple. You can bring it to a customer with any business challenge and use your creativity to build a view on the important things. Together with the people involved, it is an effective means of identifying bottlenecks and agreeing on improvements in a respectful way. This is totally in line with my personal email signature: “Motivated people drive better results. Better results motivate people.” And, appealing to my anthropological roots, Obeya originates from a non-Western culture.

Confucius: The roots of Obeya mindset

On one of the first pages of the digital learning book for Obeya fundamentals the historical roots of Obeya are mentioned. The earliest reference takes us 2,500 years back to the life of Confucius. It is stated that the Analects of Confucius (China, 479 – 221 BC) had a great influence on modern management philosophies, including Obeya. One of the few things I knew about Confucius was that his influence in eastern countries is comparable to that of Jesus and Muhammad. That’s where I felt an urgence to fill a gap in my knowledge. With this article I intend to take a deep dive into the matter and draw my own conclusions on the relation with Obeya.

Confucius (the Latin “version” of 孔子 – “Master Kong”) was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political figure born in 551 BC in the Chinese state of Lu. As the slightly malformed son of a 70-year-old father and a 16-year-old mother, he was raised during the “Spring and Autumn period.” This term originates from the Spring and Autumn Annals, which are traditionally (if improbably) attributed to Confucius as their author. During this time, ancient aristocracy still held power in a large number of separate polities under the umbrella of kings from the Zhou dynasty. It was a time when knowledge was not widely available to just anyone.

Despite being born into a once noble, but now poor family, Confucius was determined to learn. He studied various subjects, including history, poetry, and rituals, often seeking knowledge from different sources. He believed that education was the key to creating a just and harmonious society. He wanted to teach others the values and principles that he believed would lead to a better world. Confucius’s approach to teaching was based on dialogue and discussion. He encouraged his students to think critically, ask questions, and apply what they learned to their own lives.

As Confucius’s reputation for wisdom and knowledge grew, he attracted a group of around 3,000 disciples who were eager to learn from him. These disciples helped spread his teachings and compiled his sayings into the Analects.

 The Analects

 At his deathbed (479 BC), Confucius couldn’t foresee how his ideas would determine the future of social cohesion in the “Sinosphere” (including countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam). During the first centuries after his death, the sayings and ideas of Confucius were written down in “the Analects” (論語 – Lunyu). The text is organized into 20 books, each containing a series of dialogues, reflections, and teachings on various topics such as morality, ethics, politics, and proper conduct. The Analects are intended to provide guidance on how to live a virtuous and harmonious life.

The Analects differ from other influential books like the Bible and the Quran. Although Confucius stated that “ghosts” and “spirits” have to be respected, they had better be kept at a distance. Instead, human beings should base their values and social ideals on moral philosophy, tradition, and a natural love for others. Hence, Confucianism is considered more of a philosophical and ethical system than a religion.

Fragment of the Xiping Stone Classics (175 AD)

The golden rule of Confucianism is "Do not do to others what you would not like done to yourself" (Analects 15:23). This principle emphasizes empathy and reciprocity in human interactions, encouraging individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others and to treat others with the same respect and consideration they would wish for themselves.

Some of the core values in Confucianism are:

Ren (仁) is the central virtue in Confucianism, representing compassion, empathy, and kindness towards others. Confucius believed that practicing ren would lead to a harmonious society where individuals treat each other with respect and understanding.

Yi (义) emphasizes the importance of doing what is morally right and just. Confucianism teaches that individuals should act with integrity and uphold ethical standards in their interactions with others, even if it is difficult or goes against personal interests.

Li (礼) refers to the proper conduct and behavior expected in social situations. It includes etiquette, manners, and respect for traditions and customs. Following li helps maintain order and harmony in society. It aims to maintain social harmony and respect within society.

Zhi (智) emphasizes the importance of knowledge, learning, and self-improvement. Confucianism encourages individuals to seek wisdom through education and reflection in order to better themselves, make informed decisions, and contribute to the betterment of society.

Xin (信) emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and trust in relationships. Confucius believed that individuals should be sincere in their words and actions, and that trust is essential for building strong and lasting connections with others.

Xiao (孝) represents "filial piety," which is the respect and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors. It underscores the importance of family loyalty and honoring one’s elders.

These values collectively aim to create a harmonious society where individuals act with virtue, respect, and moral integrity.

The influence on Obeya

 In essence, Obeya is a place where strategy meets execution, a place where participants see, learn and act on vital information. It’s about enhancing transparency, collaboration, and productivity. An effective workspace and effective behavior are key to success. Blockers to success should be visible, and it should be safe to talk about them. It takes courage and commitment for all participants to fix any roadblock on the way to glory. 

Confucian principles provide a framework for ethical and harmonious business practices, which can lead to sustainable success and positive workplace cultures. They support a hierarchical structure where respect for authority and seniority is paramount, while leaders are expected to act with integrity, humility, and a sense of duty. This has influenced modern business leaders to prioritize ethical behavior and lead by example. Confucianism promotes collectivism and the idea that the group is more important than the individual. This has led to a focus on teamwork and collaboration in business environments, where collective success is valued over individual achievements. Confucius emphasized the importance of education and self-improvement. Modern businesses often invest in employee development and continuous learning to foster growth and innovation.

Sayings from the Analects

To really understand the influence of the Analects on Obeya, let’s look at some of the verified texts in the Analects.

 "Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage." (Book 2, Chapter 24)

 This quote emphasizes the importance of courage, which is the most important of all virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. Dale Carnegie also said that inaction breeds doubt and fear, while action breeds confidence and courage.

Courage is a crucial value in Obeya for several reasons:

• Open Communication: Courage enables team members to speak up, share their ideas, and voice concerns without fear of judgment or retribution. This openness is essential for effective collaboration and problem-solving.
• Addressing Challenges: Courage is needed to confront tough problems head-on and to make difficult decisions. It allows teams to tackle issues proactively rather than avoiding them.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing a culture of continuous improvement requires the courage to acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and implement changes. This mindset helps organizations adapt and innovate.
• Leadership by Example: Leaders in an Obeya environment must demonstrate courage by setting an example, admitting their own mistakes, and encouraging others to do the same. This fosters a culture of trust and accountability.

"Study the past if you would divine the future." (Book II, Chapter 11)

 This quote serves as a reminder that by examining the events, actions, and lessons from history, we can gain insights and wisdom that can guide us in shaping our present and, ultimately, our future. Learning from the past allows us to avoid repeating mistakes, understand the consequences of certain decisions, and make informed choices based on a deeper understanding.

Learning from the past is essential in Obeya:

• Continuous Improvement: Historical insights allow teams to identify what has worked well and what hasn’t, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By learning from past successes and failures, organizations can make more informed decisions and avoid repeating mistakes.
• Cultural Integration: Obeya integrates cross-cultural influences, combining Eastern and Western philosophies. This rich historical background helps create a more inclusive and holistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Structured Problem-Solving: The historical development of Obeya principles, such as the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), provides a structured framework for addressing challenges. This historical context ensures that teams have a solid foundation for their collaborative efforts.

“A superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” (Book XIV, Chapter 29)

 This quote emphasizes the importance of humility and the value of demonstrating one’s virtues and abilities through actions rather than words.

In Obeya, actions are considered more important than words for several reasons:

• Effective Implementation: Obeya emphasizes the importance of turning plans into actions. Visual management tools and structured routines help teams focus on executing tasks rather than just discussing them.
• Accountability: Actions demonstrate commitment and accountability. When team members follow through on their commitments, it builds trust and reliability within the team.
• Problem-Solving: Obeya encourages proactive problem-solving. By addressing issues through concrete actions, teams can quickly identify and resolve obstacles, leading to continuous improvement.
• Results-Oriented: The focus on actions ensures that teams are working towards tangible outcomes. This results-oriented approach helps achieve strategic goals more effectively.
• Leadership by Example: Leaders in an Obeya environment are expected to lead by example. Demonstrating actions rather than just talking about them sets a standard for the team and fosters a culture of doing.

By prioritizing actions over words, Obeya creates a dynamic and productive environment where teams can achieve their goals more efficiently.

"If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself." (Book VII, Chapter 22) 

“It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.” (Book I, Chapter 16)

 These quotes highlight the importance of learning from others, recognizing both their strengths and weaknesses, and using these observations to improve oneself.

Learning from others, both by recognizing success and failure, is a fundamental aspect of Obeya for several reasons:

• Diverse Perspectives: By bringing together cross-functional teams, Obeya leverages diverse perspectives and expertise. This collaborative environment fosters innovative solutions and more effective problem-solving.
• Shared Knowledge: Obeya promotes the sharing of knowledge and best practices among team members. This collective learning helps improve processes and enhances overall team performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Learning from others allows teams to identify areas for improvement and implement changes more effectively. This continuous learning cycle is crucial for adapting to new challenges and achieving long-term success.
• Building Trust: When team members learn from each other, it shows respect, builds trust, and strengthens relationships. This trust is essential for effective collaboration and achieving common goals.

By valuing learning from others, Obeya creates a dynamic and supportive environment where teams can thrive.

"Let him preside over them with gravity; then they will reverence him. Let him be final and kind to all; then they will be faithful to him. Let him advance the good and teach the incompetent; then they will eagerly seek to be virtuous." (Book II, Chapter 20)

 “To govern is to correct. When you set an example by correcting your mistakes, who will dare not to correct his mistakes?” (Book XII, Chapter 17)

 These quotes reflect Confucius’s views on leadership and the qualities of a virtuous leader. They suggest that a leader should:

• Preside with Gravity: By leading with seriousness and dignity, a leader earns the respect and reverence of their followers.
• Be Final and Kind: By being decisive and kind to everyone, a leader gains the loyalty and faithfulness of their followers.
• Advance the Good and Teach the Incompetent: By promoting and rewarding good behavior and educating those who lack skills, a leader inspires others to strive for virtue.

These principles emphasize the importance of integrity, compassion, and education in effective leadership.

Effective leadership in Obeya requires similar key qualities:

• Commitment and Capability: Leaders must be dedicated to the Obeya process and possess the skills to facilitate it effectively. This includes understanding visual management and being able to guide the team through structured problem-solving.
• Empathy and Consciousness: Integrating empathy and a conscious approach to leadership helps create a more dynamic and engaged team. Leaders who are aware of their own and their team’s needs can foster a supportive and productive environment.
• Strategic Alignment: Leaders need to ensure that the team’s efforts are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. This involves clear communication of objectives and continuous monitoring of progress.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Effective leaders in Obeya are proactive in identifying and addressing issues. They use structured methods to tackle problems and encourage their teams to do the same.
• Leading by Example: Leaders should demonstrate the behaviors and values they expect from their team. This includes being accountable, taking action, and continuously improving.

By embodying these qualities, leaders can create a cohesive and effective Obeya environment that drives success.

Conclusion

Confucianism values the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Obeya incorporates this principle by promoting continuous learning and improvement through structured problem-solving methods.

Confucius emphasized social harmony and the importance of relationships. Obeya fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is essential for achieving common goals.

Confucianism stresses respect for others and empathy. Obeya integrates these values by encouraging open communication, mutual respect, and understanding among team members.

Both Obeya and Confucianism emphasize the importance of ethical leadership. Confucius taught that leaders should act with integrity and set an example for others. Similarly, Obeya encourages leaders to demonstrate accountability and lead by example.

Structured Approach: Both Confucianism and Obeya advocate for structured approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. Confucius emphasized rituals and proper conduct, while Obeya uses visual management and structured discussions to maintain clarity and focus.

The modern version of Obeya was introduced by Toyota in Japan, with the purpose of developing the Toyota Prius. Japan is part of the Sinosphere due to intensive cultural exchange with China throughout history. Various cultural elements have been adopted, such as the use of Chinese characters (kanji – 漢字). The philosophical and religious influences on Japan have shaped the country as it is today. This includes Buddhism, Taoism, and, yes, Confucianism.

It is safe to state that Obeya and its transformational mindset have roots in Confucian moral and ethical principles.

Links

Follow one the Obeya trainings at Xebia

Obeya Association (Home for Obeya Practitioners Worldwide)

The Analects by Confucius (Translation and comments by Annping Chin)

Episode #008 Confucianism by Philosphize This! (Stephen West – Podcast)