Your Three Things for Thursday, January 16th, 2025
The Art of the After-Action Review
Let’s be honest: most of us are so focused on “what’s next” that we blow right past a simple truth—you can’t get better if you don’t stop to figure out what went wrong.
Whether it’s at work or in life, skipping reflection is like driving full-speed with a blindfold on. Sounds ridiculous, right? Yet so many leaders do it every day.
In the military, we used something called the After-Action Review (AAR) to avoid exactly that. It’s a brutally honest look at what went well, what didn’t, and how we can improve next time. No fluff, no finger-pointing—just real talk that drives growth. And here’s the thing: it’s not just for missions. The AAR is a tool every leader (and every person) should have in their back pocket.
Why the AAR Matters in Leadership (and Life)
It Turns Failure Into Fuel Let’s face it—things don’t always go according to plan. But instead of sweeping mistakes under the rug, the AAR forces you to face them head-on. The result? You grow stronger, smarter, and better equipped for next time.
It Fosters a Culture of Transparency When your team knows it’s safe to analyze what went wrong without fear of judgment, they’re more likely to be honest about mistakes. This transparency builds trust and encourages innovation.
It’s a Reality Check Ever walk away from a project thinking it went perfectly, only to realize later that there were cracks in the foundation? An AAR ensures you don’t miss the little things that can make a big difference.
How to Run a Great AAR
An effective AAR is straightforward. Answer these three questions:
