AAR (After Action Review)
Purpose
Learn systematically from experience by reviewing what happened and why
How to Use
1. Immediately after an event or project, bring the team together. 2. Ask four questions in sequence: What was supposed to happen? (intent and plan) What actually happened? (observable facts only) Why was there a difference? (root cause, no blame) What do we do differently next time? (specific, actionable improvements) 3. Capture the outputs in writing. 4. Share with relevant stakeholders and build learnings into the next planning cycle.
Created by US Army (adapted by CCL and others)
When to Use
This tool is suited to the following coaching and facilitation contexts:
| Context | Relevant |
|---|---|
| Individual Coaching | |
| Team Coaching | |
| Leadership Development | |
| Facilitation / Workshop | |
| Online / Virtual |