What is one critical outcome that should be avoided during an AAR?

During an After Action Review (AAR), one critical outcome that should be avoided is the attribution of blame to individuals. AARs are designed to foster a culture of open communication and shared learning, focusing on collective experiences rather than assigning fault. When blame is assigned to specific individuals, it can create an atmosphere of defensiveness, stifling honest discussion and preventing participants from engaging openly. The goal of an AAR is to evaluate processes, identify what worked well, and pinpoint areas for improvement in a constructive manner. Encouraging an environment where participants feel safe to share their thoughts without fear of retribution or blame leads to more effective learning outcomes and enhances team cohesion.