How long should an incident debriefing ideally take?

An ideal incident debriefing takes about 10 to 15 minutes because this duration strikes a balance between thoroughness and efficiency. During this time frame, it's possible to cover the key elements of the incident, including what occurred, the response actions taken, the outcomes achieved, and any lessons learned.

This period allows for adequate discussion and reflection without being too lengthy, which can lead to disengagement or reduced productivity among the team. A debriefing that is concise yet comprehensive helps ensure that all critical points are addressed while keeping participants focused and attentive. It’s also crucial to respect the time of those involved, as lengthy sessions can detract from their operational responsibilities.

Longer durations, like 20 to 30 minutes or more, might allow for deeper discussion but can also risk losing focus on immediate action items and critical insights. Thus, the 10 to 15-minute framework effectively balances the need for a quality review with practical time management.