Strategic Decison Making
      Resource Allocation
      Lessons Learned
      Biography
 

Hold a two-hour meeting to reflect on a recently completed project. Here is a typical agenda used by Elsie Myers Martin.

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions (10 minutes)
Adjust Ground Rules (5-10 minutes)

• Be honest
• Be respectful
• No blame assessments
• One conversation at a time

Confirm Scope of Lessons Learned (10-15 minutes)

• What project or initiative are we talking about today?
• What issues are in, what are out of scope?

Document What Went Well (15 minutes)

• It's important to take the time to list what went well before diving into all the issues and problems.

Brainstorm Issues and Ideas for Improvements (30-60 minutes)

Determine Next Steps (15 minutes)

• Select actions, focusing on those that are specific, measurable and within our control.
• Assign responsibilities and a timeline.

Adjourn

Key Benefits
Without assigning blame,

• Document what went well,
• Determine what could be improved and
  
• Create new ideas for next time.
  

Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I take time to reflect?
If we continue using the same old way, we will keep making the same mistakes.

What people need to be involved?
Participants in the "problem" effort, but no more that 15 per meeting.

What resources are required?
Meeting room with easel, flip chart paper, markers & tape.

What are the deliverables?
Notes on What Went Well, Issues & Problems and Next Steps with accountabilities and timelines.

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