SEATTLE Debrief

Debriefing Method

Description

The SEATTLE Debrief (or retrospective) is a simple, effective debriefing methodology created by AGLX. Debriefing is the critical skill needed to enable teams and organizations to learn and perform better. For more on effective debriefs, see the AGLX Guide to Effective Debriefing.

Set the Time and Stage

Who? Where? When? The debrief is part of the plan.
Prepare the room. A debrief/retrospective is an event, not a meeting.

Establish Psychological Safety

Leader must display fallibility.
Use direct language. Ask questions.

Alignment and Achievement Check

What was/were the objective(s) or goal(s)?
Did the team achieve the objective(s) or goal(s)?

Timeline

What happened?
What was positive? What was negative? What was surprising?

Two Questions

How did those things happen? Why did they happen?
Find the second- and third-order explanations.

Lessons Learned

What did we learn? Who else would benefit from what we learned?
What next? Who needs to do what, by when? What needs to go forward into planning?

End on a High Note

Celebrate team successes.

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