After Action Reviews: Is There an Elephant in the Room?

Summary

The After Action Review (AAR) process is a key tool for improving team performance by analyzing both successes and mistakes. Originating from the Army in the 1970s, AARs emphasize transparency, openness, and constructive feedback. For AARs to be effective, an environment free from fear and defensiveness is necessary. Leaders must lead by example, admit mistakes, and encourage honest communication, regardless of rank. By removing ego and focusing on team improvement, organizations can drive meaningful growth and performance enhancement. This approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within any team.

Takeaways

• 😀 After every major event, effective organizations review what happened to identify areas for improvement.
• 😀 The Army's After Action Review (AAR) system was introduced in the 1970s to help improve performance and revitalization after the Vietnam War.
• 😀 A key component of a successful review session is creating an environment of transparency, selflessness, and candor.
• 😀 Team members must feel free to be brutally honest during review sessions, even if it means challenging leadership or current practices.
• 😀 In the military, rank can be a barrier to open communication, which is why Air Force leaders physically remove their rank before entering debriefing sessions.
• 😀 Leaders should set an example by admitting their own mistakes and acknowledging areas for improvement.
• 😀 The review process should focus on growth, not ego or position, and everyone must be committed to becoming better as a team.
• 😀 Leaders should actively ask for feedback on how they can improve their performance.
• 😀 Having a thick skin is essential during review sessions—leaders should avoid getting defensive and instead listen, acknowledge, and thank others for their observations.
• 😀 A true After Action Review only works when leaders put aside their egos and rank, fostering an open and honest dialogue to identify what needs fixing and move the team forward.

Q & A

What is the purpose of an After Action Review (AAR)?

An After Action Review (AAR) is a structured process used to reflect on a major event or action, identifying what went well and what could be improved for future performance.

Why was the After Action Review (AAR) system introduced in the Army?

The AAR system was introduced in the Army in the 1970s to help the organization recover and improve after the challenges faced during the Vietnam War.

What makes an After Action Review effective?

For an AAR to be effective, it must be conducted in an environment that encourages brutally honest and transparent conversations, where team members feel safe to speak candidly.

What is the 'elephant in the room' in an After Action Review?

The 'elephant in the room' refers to the fear of repercussions or negative consequences that may arise from openly discussing mistakes, especially when the boss or leaders are involved.

How does the military overcome communication barriers during an AAR?

In the military, leaders sometimes physically remove their rank before entering the AAR session to promote a level playing field and encourage honest feedback without fear of judgment.

How can leaders establish a safe environment for honest discussion in an AAR?

Leaders can set the rules by emphasizing that the focus is on improvement, not ego; set the example by admitting their own mistakes; ask for feedback; maintain a thick skin when receiving criticism; and show willingness to change.

What role does ego play in the effectiveness of an After Action Review?

Ego can hinder honest and open communication during an AAR. Leaders must set aside their ego to foster an environment where feedback can be shared without fear of retaliation or embarrassment.

What is meant by 'leaving your rank on the wall' before an AAR?

'Leaving your rank on the wall' symbolizes removing the hierarchical barriers associated with rank, ensuring that the conversation during the AAR focuses solely on improving the team's performance, not on individual status.

What is the key to a successful After Action Review?

The key to a successful AAR is creating an environment where everyone, regardless of rank, feels free to openly discuss what went right and what could be improved without fear of retribution.

How can a leader demonstrate they are willing to improve during an AAR?

A leader can demonstrate their willingness to improve by being the first to admit mistakes, actively asking for feedback, and showing openness to change in response to the team's observations.