Genchi genbutsu

The practice at Toyota is to first fully understand the current situation through research and direct observation before taking action. 

For example, a decision-maker investigating a problem will go into the workplace to observe the process they are currently considering and interact with employees to get data confirmed and understand the situation; 

he will not rely purely on system data or on information from others. This habit exists at both the executive and middle management levels. In Japanese, genchi genbutsu means "going to see with one's own eyes," but the literal translation is "actual place and actual thing.