In the world of teamwork, two methods stand out for boosting performance. These are after-action reviews and design thinking. Both are tools that teams use to learn and improve. After-action reviews, or AARs, involve reflecting on what happened after a task is done. Design thinking, on the other hand, is a problem-solving approach that can also help teams grow. It encourages teams to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.

Design thinking might have an edge over AARs. It engages teams in a wider range of learning activities during each task. This can lead to better teamwork and a clearer understanding of how to tackle tasks. As a result, teams that use design thinking might see a bigger improvement in their performance over a short period, like six months. This is especially true for teams that handle a variety of tasks.

A study was conducted to test this idea. Teams in a manufacturing company were observed over six months. The results showed that teams using design thinking saw greater improvements in performance compared to those using AARs. This improvement was linked to changes in how the team learned and how well they communicated and remembered information.

However, it's not just about the method. The type of tasks a team handles also plays a role. Teams with a mix of tasks might benefit more from design thinking. This is because design thinking encourages creative problem-solving, which can be very useful when tasks are varied.

But here's a question to ponder. While design thinking seems promising, is it always the best choice? Maybe AARs have their own strengths that aren't fully explored yet. Perhaps the key is to find the right balance between the two. After all, every team is unique, and what works for one might not work for another.

In the end, the goal is to help teams perform at their best. Whether it's through design thinking, AARs, or a mix of both, the important thing is to keep learning and adapting. Teams that do this are more likely to succeed in the long run.

How Two Methods Boost Team Success

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