A3 Management
A3 management is a structured way of running a business. A3 management focuses on using a scientific approach to problem solving that creates a learning organization.
The key to A3 management is that there must be management problem solving processes in place. This means that there is a specific way to address problems, by everyone in the leadership ranks, rather than the typical ‘shoot from the hip’ style of leadership that many managers exhibit.
That doesn’t mean that all problems are handled the same way. Not all problems will require the full use of the A3 report. That determination, however, should be the result of a consistent, structured process.
Don’t confuse structure with formal or bureaucratic, though. The point is to approach problems the same way every time and use the same process every time, so leaders don’t skip important steps in the decision-making process.
A3 management is, in a nutshell, a leadership mindset that focuses on problem solving.
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It is imperative that the focus of the problem-solving efforts stays on the process, and not on people. A3 management requires a level of openness about discussing problems that is hard to achieve. If people on the team feel that A3 management is going to get them in trouble, they will be resistant to answering questions candidly.
A3 management uses a form called the A3 report to communicate ideas.
A3 management was popularized by Toyota and is one of the reasons that the car maker’s Toyota Production System is so frequently emulated.
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