A3 Prompts Library

Download problem-solving prompts for each step of the A3 process. These prompts are designed for everyday practical use and getting started with AI-assisted A3 Thinking. Use them with ChatGPT, Claude, or your favorite AI assistant.

Looking for interactive AI coaching tools? Check out our AI Tools for customized prompt generation and coaching assistance.

How to Use These Prompts

1. Download the prompt for the step you're working on in your A3 process (PDF or Markdown format). Use one prompt at a time, not all ten in the same conversation.

2. Open your AI assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar).

3. Use the prompt by either dragging and dropping the file directly into the chat box interface, or by copying and pasting the text from the file into your AI conversation.

4. Fill in your specific details and engage in dialogue with the AI to refine your thinking, explore root causes, and develop countermeasures.

5. Move to the next step when ready, using the appropriate prompt for that stage of your A3 process.

Basic Problem-Solving Prompts

Ten foundational prompts to guide you through each step of the A3 problem-solving process. Perfect for everyday use and getting started with AI-assisted problem solving.

Using Prompts in Problem Solving
Essential guide on how to effectively use AI prompts throughout your A3 problem-solving process.
Download PDF
Getting Started Prompt
Begin your A3 Problem-Solving journey with AI guidance on how to approach and frame your problem.
Download Markdown
Clarify the Background Prompt
Understand the context and history behind your problem with structured AI prompts.
Download Markdown
Define the Problem Prompt
Precisely articulate your problem statement using AI-assisted questioning.
Download Markdown
Set a Goal Prompt
Establish clear, measurable targets for your improvement effort.
Download Markdown
Root Cause Analysis Prompt
Dig deep to identify true root causes using 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and other analysis techniques.
Download Markdown
Develop Countermeasures & Implement Prompt
Generate and evaluate countermeasures, then create an implementation plan.
Download Markdown
Check Results Prompt
Evaluate your countermeasures and measure progress toward your goals.
Download Markdown
Standardize & Follow Up Prompt
Lock in improvements and establish ongoing monitoring processes.
Download Markdown
Reflection & Yokoten Prompt
Reflect on learnings and share knowledge across your organization.
Download Markdown

Best Practices for AI-Assisted A3 Thinking

AI can be a powerful assistant in your A3 Thinking process, helping you explore problems, generate ideas, and refine your thinking. However, remember that AI is a tool to support—not replace—critical thinking and human judgment.

  • • Go to Gemba: Validate AI suggestions with real data and direct observation
  • • Involve Stakeholders: Use AI to prepare, but engage people in the actual problem-solving
  • • Think Critically: Question AI outputs and verify assumptions
  • • Iterate: Use multiple rounds of AI dialogue to refine your thinking
  • • Document: Capture insights from AI conversations in your A3 report