Obeya roles – Professional development
An Obeya cannot evolve without motivated individuals. Getting the best out of your Obeya requires specific expertise and skill. There is craftsmanship to be identified in the field of Obeya, in which Obeya professionals need to be trained and educated.
Looking at the different competencies, skills and tasks required in an Obeya you can define four sets of roles that together enable an Obeya to deliver meaning and value:
Obeya Builder, Obeya Host, Obeya Coach, Obeya Mentor and the Obeya Sensei
Roles introduce clarity, not hierarchy
Obeya is built on collaboration, transparency, and shared decision-making. While specific roles help structure the process, they do not create rigid hierarchies. Instead, each role serves a distinct function, ensuring clarity in responsibilities while maintaining an environment where everyone’s voice matters.
In an Obeya, Builders, Hosts, and Coaches work together to facilitate alignment, drive improvement, and support strategic execution. Their purpose is not to dictate but to empower teams, enabling more effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.
By clearly defining roles, Obeya ensures that knowledge flows freely, obstacles are addressed proactively, and collaboration thrives. It is a system designed to balance structure with flexibility, making organizations more adaptive, responsive, and results-driven.
Roles makes it easier to:
About the Obeya Association
The Obeya Association is the global home for Obeya practitioners, dedicated to advancing the principles, practices, and professionalization of Obeya. As the only independent Obeya certification body, we set quality standards, develop training programs, and bring together a worldwide community of professionals who use Obeya to drive strategic alignment, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Our mission is to evolve Obeya from a tool to a philosophy, ensuring that organizations leverage its full potential for inclusive decision-making, leadership development, and sustainable business success. Through research, training, and a strong practitioner network, we equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge and skills to build high-performing, future-ready organizations.
Join us in shaping the future of Obeya and conscious decision-making worldwide!
