Do you take the time to intentionally reflect after a training project ends? Reflection is powerful and it's something we often do, but it's not something we often do with intentionality.

That’s why on this episode of Learning for Good, I am sharing the seven steps I follow each time I close out a training project and why they set you up for success later.

▶️ Key Points:

00:58 The power of reflection

03:05 The value of a training project debrief

03:52 How to conduct a training project debrief

Why Conduct a Training Project Debrief

Too often, projects wrap up without taking time to reflect on the process. When this happens, valuable insights get lost, lessons learned aren’t shared, and future projects miss the opportunity to build on past successes.

Closing out a project isn’t just about finishing the work — it’s about gathering insights, celebrating wins, and setting the stage for future success. A thoughtful debrief process helps you identify what worked, uncover areas for improvement, and align future efforts with business goals.

A structured debrief also creates space to reflect on the project’s impact and strengthens trust with stakeholders. This helps shift your role from order taker to trusted partner.

Seven Steps for Your Training Project Debrief Process

To maximize the value of a debrief, I use these seven key steps:

Schedule the debrief – Plan it before the project ends to ensure it’s a priority.
Review project status – Confirm that all deliverables are complete and that expectations were met.
Ask reflective questions – What worked? What didn’t? What unexpected challenges arose?
Discuss the impact – Highlight early wins and measurable outcomes, even if they’re small.
Identify future needs – Where are the gaps? What additional support might be required?
Get permission to share success stories – Success builds credibility and creates momentum for future work.
Send a follow-up email – Summarize key takeaways and outline next steps to keep the momentum going.

The Impact of a Structured Training Project Debrief

Taking time to reflect and gather feedback allows you to refine your process, deepen stakeholder relationships, and uncover new opportunities. This approach positions you as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider. Stakeholders will see you not only as someone who delivers results but also as someone who helps drive long-term success.

A structured project debrief isn’t just about closing the loop — it’s about setting the foundation for future success. By making debriefs a regular part of your process, you’ll strengthen your team, improve your outcomes, and create stronger alignment with your organization’s goals.

To learn more about conducting a training project debrief, tune into episode 126 of the Learning for Good podcast.

Additional Resources Just for You

Other Helpful Podcast Episodes:

Subscribe to the Nonprofit L&D Insiders.

Join the Nonprofit L&D Collective.

Support the Learning for Good Podcast

We are a top 2.5% globally ranked podcast and on the list of top 100 nonprofit podcasts in 2025.

We are currently accepting sponsors. We’ll work together to create a sponsorship package that works for everyone.

Book a call to discuss your unique needs.

Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic

We love hearing from listeners!