The Personal A3 Approach for Developing People

Organizations invest high levels of effort setting up elaborate employee performance tracking systems. In fact, these costly and onerous processes may even drive the wrong behaviors if inappropriate metrics are selected or employees learn to game the system. However, a simpler and more effective approach to personnel development is right in front of us. Bob Payne describes the Lean A3 problem solving and communication tool that can be used to improve processes and create a learning culture. This same tool can be used as a lightweight approach to develop individuals by generating actionable learning plans. Using the Personal A3 approach, employees evaluate their strengths, identify skills gaps, and plan for personal growth. Managers assist as mentors as they work with employees on their Personal A3, offering suggestions and helping align their growth plans with organizational goals. Practice creating your own Personal A3.