A3 Problem Solving Immersion

A3 Problem Solving Immersion

Fri, January 23, 2026 

Facilitate better thinking

Live - in person and virtual

Facilitators:  Eric Olsen, PhD - Director Central Coast Lean

Objective:  Enhance team problem-solving skills using a structured A3 approach. Foster creativity and engagement in collaborative solutions.

Purpose:  Engaging associates in problem solving is key to building a lean culture.  In particular, A3 problem solving (e.g., Theme, Current State, Problem, Goals/Targets, Analysis, Countermeasures, Plan, and Follow-up) is a powerful concept for lean practitioners.  This workshop teaches participants how to use A3 problem solving while simultaneously using Liberating Structures to engage teams or larger groups. 

Approach:  Immersion Workshops are designed to introduce participants to a large number of Liberating Structures very rapidly. We take Liberating Structures online to create awareness of the range of possibilities that they open. Also, covering a wide variety of structures underscores the idea that there is no single way to address many complex challenges or problems. Another message that participants get loud and clear: you learn by doing.  Once you’ve seen lean and Liberating Structures in action, and practice doing it in the workshop, you can use it in any setting.  In this special immersion workshop for lean thinkers, we will be using an 8-step A3 framework to engage participants in a problem common to lean organizations. 

Target Audience:  All managers, team leads, and supervisors who are tasked with engaging associates and facilitating their interaction.  Some exposure to lean is beneficial, but not required.  

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA and online via Zoom

Length:  1 day, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Price:  $349 early bird, $299 for 5 or more, $399 regular

please contact eric.o@centralcoastlean.org for group pricing discount