Wise leaders realise that debriefing after an event, project, training or task can be a highest point of learning.
They develop the habit of debriefing.
They have a process to maximise the benefit.
Here’s a process I encourage my clients to follow:
1. Get all the participants present.
2. Prepare your questions in advance, using standard questions plus any others that might be very relevant to the activity just completed.
3. Here are the standard questions:
a. Describe the situation as it occurred – what happened in chronological order?
b. What was the objective – goal, mission or purpose?
c. What did we achieve – what positive outcomes occurred?
i. How can we ensure we utilise that learning?
d. What did we not achieve – what negative outcomes occurred?
i. How can we ensure we utilise that learning?
e. What do we need to do about the above?
4. Create an action plan allocating tasks, people, timing and accountability.
5. Review, measure and adjust.
What’s your method for debriefing?