Status Report A3 Guide

A comprehensive reference guide for creating effective Status Report A3s

Use this guide to communicate project progress, results, and issues to leadership and stakeholders.

CONTEXT & PROGRESS (Sections 1-2)
1

Background

Provide context on the project, initiative, or area being reported on

Key Points

  • •Brief reminder of the problem or project (assume audience is already familiar)
  • •Original goals or targets that were set
  • •Key stakeholders and scope of the work
  • •Timeline or reporting period covered by this status update
  • •Why this update matters now (recent milestones, decisions needed, etc.)

Coaching Questions

  • →Is this background concise enough for a 5-10 minute update?
  • →Have the original goals or scope changed since the last update?
  • →What context does leadership need to understand this update?
2

Current Condition

Report on the current state and progress to date

Key Points

  • •What has been completed since the last update
  • •Current status against plan or timeline (on track, ahead, behind)
  • •What activities are currently underway
  • •Any changes to scope, approach, or resources
  • •Progress on key milestones or deliverables

Coaching Questions

  • →Are we on track with the original plan and timeline?
  • →What significant progress has been made since the last update?
  • →Are there any changes to scope or approach that leadership needs to know?
RESULTS & ACTIONS (Sections 3-4)
3

Results

Share achievements, metrics, and outcomes to date

Key Points

  • •Current performance against original goals or targets (with data)
  • •Trends showing improvement, stability, or deterioration
  • •Specific wins or achievements worth highlighting
  • •Early indicators of success or warning signs
  • •Comparison to baseline or previous reporting period

Coaching Questions

  • →Are we achieving the goals we set out to accomplish?
  • →What does the data show about sustainability of results?
  • →Are there any unexpected outcomes (positive or negative)?
4

Remaining Issues & Action Items

Identify open issues, risks, and next steps needed

Key Points

  • •Key issues, obstacles, or risks that need attention
  • •What help or support is needed from leadership
  • •Decisions that need to be made or approvals required
  • •Upcoming milestones, deadlines, or critical activities
  • •Specific action items with owners and due dates

Coaching Questions

  • →What obstacles need leadership attention or escalation?
  • →What decisions or resources do we need from management?
  • →Are there any risks that could derail our progress?