Dear Reader,
The end of a project is just the beginning of learning.
Conducting an after-action review allows you to reflect on your project, identify what went well, what didn’t, and how you can improve in the future.
An after-action review can provide valuable insights that can enhance your future projects and drive continuous improvement. So, are you ready to learn from your past to build a better future?
Here are 3 recommendations on conducting an ideal after-action review to provide observations and insights for future projects:
Include Everyone Involved: An after-action review isn’t something that you can effectively do on your own unless you were the only person working on the project. If you had a team to help you, they should each be present during the review process. This will ensure that everyone’s point of view is accounted for, that no struggles go unnoticed, and that every team strength is recognised. (Reference: https://toggl.com/blog/after-action-review)
Use a Structured Approach: The entire process of an after-action review centers around four questions asked in the following order: First, “What did we expect to happen?” Then, “What actually occurred?” Next, “What went well and why?” And finally, “What can we improve upon and how?”1. This structured approach can help you gain valuable insights from your project.
Make it a Priority: If the after-action review process isn’t a priority, it will end up falling by the wayside. There are too many other projects to start, fires to put out, and general activities to accomplish. So commit, right now. Decide that your company will use the after-action review process and that a project won’t be considered “done” until the review is complete.
We hope you found this email series on Project Management helpful and informative.
Remember, project management is not just a skill; it’s a mindset. Embrace it, and watch your marketing and PR efforts soar to new heights.
We’re here to help you develop these skills and grow your career. Stay tuned for more resources and insights from the Guild of Communicators Academy.
Reach out to us at the Guild of Communicators Academy (academy@gocommunicators.com) if you have any questions!
For more reading from this email series:
Email 1 – Introduction to Project Management
Email 2 – Understanding Project Management
Email 3 – The Framework of Project Management
Email 4 – Identifying Decision Makers and Stakeholders
Email 5 – Creating a Project Management Plan
Email 6 – Measuring Project Success
Email 7 – Reporting and Sharing Project Success
Email 8 – Conducting an After-Action Review