Recently published research findings from global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company show that few organizations are equipped to learn from crises and incidents in a meaningful way.
“Crises are no longer isolated events; they’re a defining feature of today’s operating environment,” says Leann Schneider, director, HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. “The differentiator isn’t whether an organization faces disruption, but whether it pauses long enough to learn from it. After-action reviews give leaders a practical way to reflect, capture lessons, and respond with intention.”
The research findings are included in a new resource, Build Resilience With After-Action Reviews Guide, which underscores the role that HR leaders can play in enabling effective after-action reviews by shaping the conditions required for honest reflection and follow-through.
The guide outlines how HR leaders and CHROs can support organizational resilience by catalysing after-action reviews to:
- Foster rapid learning by identifying what worked, what didn’t, and why, while insights are still fresh
- Strength future preparedness by uncovering systemic gaps in decision-making, communication, and execution
- Preserve institutional knowledge by documenting lessons learned and making them accessible for future teams.
Case examples cited in the guide demonstrate that organizations using structured AARs can significantly improve outcomes, including reductions in safety incidents and stronger coordination during future crises.
Psychological safety is essential to effective after-action reviews
McLean & Company explains that after-action reviews often fail when they become performative or punitive. The firm emphasizes that psychological safety, supported by clear purpose, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practices, is essential for honest reflection and meaningful learning.
How HR leaders can drive follow-through
Beyond reflection, the research stresses that follow-through is what unlocks the full value of after-action reviews. McLean & Company advises HR leaders to translate insights into clear recommendations, assign ownership, track progress, and embed lessons learned into planning cycles, playbooks, and training.
