A structured debriefing method that closes the gap between intent and reality.
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom
In high-stakes environments, repeating a mistake can be fatal. That is why the U.S. Army developed a method to learn instantly from every engagement.
In business, while lives aren't at risk, time and budget are. Teams often move from project to project without pausing to digest what happened.
The After-Action Review (AAR) matters because it institutionalizes learning. It moves a team from a culture of "Who is to blame?" to a culture of "How do we get better?"
What is After-Action Review
The After-Action Review (AAR) is a structured framework designed to evaluate and learn from an event, project, or experience.
Unlike a "post-mortem" (which often implies a project died or failed), an AAR is performed on both successes and failures. It focuses on the gap between expectation and reality.
The golden rule of AAR is: Focus on the "What," not the "Who."
The Four Key Questions of 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.
