This ebook on A3 Problem Solving is meant to demystify some of what people know and hear about A3s. In the past 5 years, it has become one of the most prominent lean tools. But while the work itself is hard, the method doesn't have to be as complicated as it is made. In this ebook, we get to the core of what it's all about, how you use it, and connect it to lean thinking throughout. Afterall, a template is useless without the thinking.

I hope you find it useful, but please share your experiences, feedback, and other comments. To take advantage of LeanPub's capabilities, I hope to update it more frequently that most books.

Sincerely,

Jamie Flinchbaugh
Lean Learning Center

1. What is A3?
   1. Only Thinking Drives Sustainable Change
   2. Origins of A3 Thinking Methodology
   3. Definition of Lean Thinking
2. When to Use A3
   1. When to Use A3
   2. What A3 is Not
3. A3 Thinking and People Development
   1. Getting the Right Thinking and Action
4. Applying A3 Thinking
   1. Where to Start
   2. Building Blocks for Developing A3 Thinking
5. QUADRANT I: Problem Statement
   1. What is the problem?
   2. Solving the Right Problem
   3. Pitfalls to Avoid
   4. Improving Problem Statement Development
6. QUADRANT II: Current Reality
   1. Defining and Clarifying the Current Condition
   2. Closing the Knowledge Gap
   3. What do I need to learn about?
   4. By what method can I learn this knowledge?
   5. Why bother?
7. QUADRANT III: Developing a Target Condition
   1. Defining the Target Condition
   2. Moving to a New Target Position
   3. Question everything!
8. QUADRANT IV: Turning Thinking Into Action
   1. Barriers to Taking Action
   2. Managing the Actions: Plan, Do, Check Act
9. Writing and Thinking at a Systems Level
   1. Tips and Techniques
   2. Making it Visible
10. A3 and Organizational Alignment
    1. Supporting Common Thinking Through Tools, Systems and Culture
11. Lean Leadership
    1. A3 Coaching
12. A3 Problem Solving Example
    1. Improvement Cards Example
    2. Measurements
13. Thank you
    1. Disclaimer and Copyright
    2. About the Author