Knowledge for Development: The After-Action Review (AAR)
The AAR:
- Is a dynamic, candid, professional discussion of an event/task
which focuses on the results of the event/task.
- Identifies the means to sustain what was done well as
well as recommendations on how to improve shortfalls.
- Requires everyone’s participation as these insights,
observations, or questions will help the team identify and
correct deficiencies or maintain strengths.
The AAR is not:
- A critique or a complaint session. After-action reviews
maximize experience by allowing everyone to learn from each
other.
- A full-scale evaluation (or evaluation report).
- A cure-all for all problems.
AARs are effective when:
- Leaders support them.
- They are done immediately – by the team, for the
team.
- Participants agree to be honest, open, and professional.
Impact/benefits of an AAR:
- Decreases repeats of mistakes or missteps.
- Improves morale – everyone can make a difference
for the future.
- Increases chances for success in similar or related activities.
- Promotes open, frequent communication, sharing, and proactive
identification of strengths to sustain and shortcomings
to improve
The focus of the AAR is to answer four questions:
- What did we intend to do?
- What actually happened?
- What went well, and why?
- What can be improved, and how?
After the AAR:
- The After-Action Report is produced. This report documents
the results of the AAR and can be used to provide an executive
summary for decision makers.
- The After-Action Report becomes one of the first references
used when the next round of planning begins.
For more information or coaching:
Contact KfD@usaid.gov
For further reference, consult The
After-Action Review: Technical Guidance,
PN-ADF-360 (pdf,200kb)
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