Debrief Like a Pro: 1 Secret to Better Leadership

You’re busy running a business, dealing with constant fires, meeting with clients and connections only you can, and trying to keep your team moving forward — you’re BUSY, right?! But here’s the truth many leaders need to hear: Most leaders are missing out on a game-changing tool that takes about 30 minutes and can dramatically improve team performance.

I’m talking about The Powerful Debrief.

Why Most Teams Stay Stuck

Here’s what typically happens: Your team completes a project. Everyone is exhausted. You send a quick “Great job, team!” email, or even go by their office for a pat on the back or a relaxing cup of coffee with a coworker, and after that, you immediately dive into the next challenge. Sound familiar?

But here’s the problem – if that’s your MO, you’re likely leaving massive growth potential on the table. High-performing teams don’t just move from project to project. They pause, reflect, and adapt. That’s where The Powerful Debrief comes in.

The 5-Question Framework That Changes Everything

After any significant event – whether it’s a successful product launch or a complete disaster – gather your team, ask, and answer these five strategic questions:

  1. “What did we do well?” This isn’t just feel-good fluff. You’re identifying winning strategies to replicate.
  2. “What did we do poorly?” Get real here. Look at breakdowns in people, processes, and expectations without pointing fingers.
  3. “Who needs to be recognized publicly?” Recognition isn’t just nice – it’s strategic. People repeat behaviors that get praised.
  4. “Who needs to be redirected privately?” Handle performance issues early, directly, and one-on-one. Don’t let problems fester.
  5. “What do we need to change going forward?” This isn’t just about fixing mistakes. Sometimes you need to optimize what’s already working.

When to Use It

If you experience the following situations, use this debrief tool:

  • Major project completions
  • Crisis situations
  • Challenging customer interactions
  • Team conflicts
  • Successful innovations
  • Failed initiatives

🔥 Ready to Lead Stronger, Connect Deeper, and Drive Real Results? Let’s make it happen! →

The Real Game-Changer

Here’s what makes this tool so powerful: It creates a culture where improvement isn’t occasional – it’s inevitable. Your team starts seeing challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to get better. They become more open, more innovative, and more cohesive.

Remember, leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating an environment where everyone – including you – can learn, adapt, and grow. The Powerful Debrief isn’t just another management tool. It’s your secret weapon for building a team that gets better every single day.

Start using it today. Your future self will thank you!

For more helpful leadership ideas, check out our other blog posts! 

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Alyson Van Hooser

Alyson Van Hooser, Pres & CEO, Van Hooser Leadership. With the grit that only comes from tough experiences, Alyson has learned a thing or two about personal and professional success. From her management experience with Walmart, as an elected city council member, bank manager — all before the age of 30 — Alyson has wisdom well beyond her years! Her podcast, Stake: The Leadership Podcast, offers a fresh perspective on leadership and helps multiple generations successfully work together! Connect with Alyson on LinkedIn.

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