A structured reflection method to review what happened, why it happened, and how to improve next time.
What After-Action Review Is About
The After-Action Review (AAR) is a structured framework designed to evaluate and learn from an event, project, or experience.
Originally developed by the U.S. Army, AAR has become a universal tool for reflection and improvement, applicable across industries, teams, and personal growth
Its primary goal is to bridge the gap between expectations and reality by systematically identifying successes, uncovering shortcomings, and extracting actionable insights to improve future performance.
The AAR process promotes accountability, continuous learning, and adaptability, making it invaluable in environments where collaboration and iterative improvement are critical.
The Four Questions in the AAR Framework
The AAR framework centers around four key questions, each addressing a critical aspect of performance and outcomes:
Step 1: What did I intend to accomplish?
- Focuses on the goals, objectives, and initial expectations.
- Helps participants align on what "success" was meant to look like.
