All About A3 Thinking 🚀

At the las Central Coast Virtual Lean Coffee ☕️ - a monthly gathering where Lean practitioners come together to exchange ideas and sharpen their problem-solving approaches.

This time, we got to talking about A3 Thinking.

You’ve probably heard the term “A3,” but what exactly is it?

Simply put, it’s a one-page, structured approach to problem-solving. But more than that, it’s a way of thinking - one that encourages clarity, focus, and shared understanding at every stage of tackling a challenge.

✨ Why A3 Thinking matters:

• It forces you to get crystal clear on the real problem, not just the symptoms. One participant reminded us, “90% of problem-solving is forming the problem statement.”

• It supports strategic alignment. Another participant asked whether leadership is expecting A3s as deliverables or even aware of the tool - a good reminder that when strategy and problem-solving connect, people stay engaged.

• It creates accountability. Some shared how A3s are self-selected, others said leadership assigns them. Either way, there’s clarity around ownership and purpose.

• And it builds team learning. One group even shared their “A3 wall,” where active A3s are visible to everyone - progress, thinking, solutions, and all. 🎉

A3 Thinking doesn’t just help solve problems. It helps teams slow down, collaborate better, and stay focused on what matters most.

If your organization is serious about continuous improvement, this tool is worth mastering.

By Olga Zhuravel, CLSSMBB with a little help for AI.