Leaders should step back to analyze success or failure at the end of a project or goal period. “Did we achieve the objective?” “Have we identified root causes?” “What role, if any, did fortune play in the final results?” The simple rigor of capturing lessons learned improves future decisions and actions. Debriefs often prove to be our most fertile ground for adaptive learning.
We neglect debriefs because we are:
- Forgetful… sad, but true.
- Too Busy… we think.
- Too Excited… by whatever new objective lies ahead.
- Avoiding Reality… it’s difficult acknowledging failures.
Instead, nurture a debrief discipline for your future benefit.
“Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” (Benjamin Franklin)
Click here to have “In 100 Words” delivered to your inbox twice each quarter.
Tags: In 100 Words, Leadership, management, Self-Management
