How A3 Management Solves Problems and Develops Problem-Solving Capabilities

At Turner Construction Company, A3 management and problem-solving are about more than merely getting problems resolved. According to Turner Vice President and General Manager Charlie Whitney, as critical is how A3 thinking and practices cultivate and reinforce effective leadership practices, from engaging and gaining alignment of work teams around continuous improvement to coaching and developing young managers to be better problem-solvers and leaders.

In this enhanced version of a recent LEI webinar, Whitney demonstrates these benefits by sharing a detailed breakdown of a recent effort to identify and reduce damage to “curtain walls” (the exterior of most skyscrapers) during installation. Throughout the presentation, he points out specific activities and actions the A3 management and problem-solving practices encourage, explaining how they help teach effective problem-solving practices; improve working relationships between leaders, managers, and work teams; and, of course, resolve problems.