Debriefing.

I think the 'debrief' is a really great tool that is often underutilized. What is debriefing? I like to think about is as a series of questions or comments after a project is completed, a season ends or a task is done. When an employee leaves we can debrief about their experience at the agency or organization. When a grant project terminates, a good debriefing will include the lessons learned and the impact gained. When a bid is unsuccessful you can be debriefed about what could have been done differently or better. Does this include constructive criticism? Perhaps. Might some of the comments or questions that come out in the debriefing session sting a little? Yes, possibly. But honestly we have opportunity to grow most when we hear authentic feedback and make plans to respond. The debrief is intended to provide that.

So I challenge you to look for opportunities to ask questions and receive comments after a job is done, a project completed or a season is ending. Take the information in, determine what rings true and focus efforts to use that information to guide your next project, task or season.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP