What is the best way to conclude an incident debriefing?

Concluding an incident debriefing by reinforcing what went right during the response is essential for several reasons. It helps to boost morale among the team members and acknowledges the efforts they put into managing the incident. Recognizing successes contributes to building a positive culture of safety and collaboration, which is vital for future responses. It also encourages team members to replicate effective practices in future incidents.

Focusing on positive outcomes reinforces best practices and can motivate individuals to maintain high levels of performance and commitment. This approach can lead to a more engaged team that feels valued and understood, which is critical in high-stress environments. Furthermore, emphasizing successes can create a constructive atmosphere that fosters learning and continuous improvement rather than dwelling solely on mistakes, which may lead to defensiveness or negativity.

While providing follow-up contact information, reviewing mistakes, and distributing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) are important components of the debriefing process, they serve different purposes and do not encapsulate the closing sentiment as effectively as reinforcing positive elements. The conclusion should ultimately inspire and empower the team, which is best achieved by celebrating what went well.