Use this debrief template to create accountability and learning after a task or project is complete.
Assess how the project results and process compare to expectations, give and receive feedback, and apply lessons to the next project. If you’re a people manager, you can use this project debrief template one-on-one with your direct reports or team members. If you’re a project manager, use this template with the members of your MOCHA in a one-on-one or group setting. Ver este recurso en español.
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What Is a Debrief? Why Is Debriefing Important?
A debrief is an opportunity to reflect on a project or task after its completion. With your direct report or teammates, discuss how expectations about the project process or outcomes compare to what actually happened. Identify what went well and what needs improvement, including any inequitable impacts.
Debriefs can support team learning and accountability. By pulling directly from recent experience, they capture valuable lessons learned to ensure even better results next time. For managers, debriefing regularly can help cultivate a healthy culture of feedback and identify where to invest in your direct reports’ growth.
What Are the Best Practices of an Effective Project Debrief?
- Set aside time to debrief, instead of rushing into the next project. As soon as you align on the 5 Ws, schedule a debrief conversation.
- Share questions in advance so that your team has time to reflect beforehand.
- Don’t shy away from developmental or corrective feedback. Feedback can strengthen relationships when done with care, curiosity, and consistency. Focus on outcomes or impacts, not people’s characters.
- Celebrate wins and successes (including remembering to debrief after the project)!
- Capture takeaways (e.g., notes in your debriefing template) so that everyone can reference back to learnings and next steps.
Who Is This Template For?
This debriefing template is especially useful for:
- People managers to use one-on-one with direct reports
- Project managers to use in a one-on-one or team setting with members of their MOCHA
Debriefing Questions (Template Preview)
Review results vs. expectations
Recall the definition of success you agreed upon at delegation.
- What were the expectations about the process and results?
- To what extent were those expectations met?
Evaluation and learning
- What went well with this project and why? What should we keep for next time?
- What didn’t go so well, and what was the cause? What needs to improve?
- Were there any unintended consequences regarding equity and inclusion that we should take note of?
Investing in people
- What did you learn about your skills through this project? What do you want to build on or develop?
- What feedback do you have for me about how I supported or managed you?
Big picture
- How did our results contribute to the bigger picture of our work—our mission, commitment to equity, and values?
- What recommendations do you have for our team based on this process / these results?
Next steps and recommendations
- What should you / we do differently in the future?
- What kind of support will you need next time?
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Debriefs
What topics should a debrief cover?
A post-project debrief should cover how results compared to expectations, what went well, what could be improved, and takeaways for future projects. Reflect on each individual’s role and the team’s collective efforts. Take into account both the process of working together and the outcomes achieved.
When should I conduct a project debrief?
We recommend scheduling your debrief for 1-2 weeks after project completion, and ideally no longer than one month after (though later is better than never!). Leave enough time for your team to reflect on the outcome and debrief questions ahead of time, but not so long that it’s hard to remember the details of what happened.
Download the Debrief Template Now
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