A3 Thinking for Career Change: A Path to Healthcare
Recently, Leslin hosted “A3 Thinking from Idea to Action: A Workshop for Career-Changers,” aimed at mid-career professionals from varied sectors such as business, marketing, and retail. The workshop was well-received, empowering participants to sharpen their career goals and develop personal growth plans through a strength-based approach.
This event was a collaborative creation, developed with input from registered participants and reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and the principle of “living the change” by involving participants at every stage.
The workshop focused on several key learning objectives:
Leveraging Strengths: Participants identified and built on their existing strengths and experiences.
Industry Insight: The workshop provided insights into the current and future healthcare workplace.
Skill Development: Participants learned to use the A3 thinking tool, a Lean management tool for enhancing structured problem-solving.
Career Planning: Attendees developed personalized career growth plans.
Central to the workshop was the A3 method, a practical tool for structuring discussions and solving problems effectively. Endorsed by MIT researchers for its power in clearly defining opportunities for improvement and problem-solving, this approach proved invaluable. Participants began by describing their job background and why action was needed. Next, they considered their current states, listing their strengths and skills. Then, they contemplated their desired future state, a job in healthcare. This led them to identify gaps between their current and future strengths and skills. By the end, they recognized transferable skills and skill gaps.
A brief presentation on current trends and prospects in healthcare management highlighted the career outlook. This was followed by an active discussion about the realities of healthcare management. The workshop included small-group discussions in which participants enhanced their understanding of how their current skills and strengths could apply to new roles in healthcare. By the end of the workshop, each participant devised an actionable plan. This career transition map included specific steps and strategies for training, networking, and gaining relevant experience in the healthcare sector.
Post-workshop surveys showed an overwhelmingly positive response, with participants saying the workshop’s goals were met and exceeded. The feedback suggested that the workshop was effective. It also signifies the expansion of our network of future healthcare innovators, a group of professionals ready and confident to transition into healthcare roles. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors nationally and globally. Many fulfilling career opportunities offer a promising future for those willing to take the leap.
