Healthy habits: the Debrief

Many agency Founders think debriefs are pointless.

But really they’re crucial.

I think sometimes agency folk are scared of opening themselves up to criticism. But debriefs are a much underexploited opportunity to keep your heel in the door, move the client relationship on and secure further work.

Here are my seven tips for making the most of debriefs:

Step 1: Hardwire the debrief into your process, making clients aware of it from the start

Step 2: Make it a selling point (even give it a name) - actually asking for accountability shouts professionalism and confidence

Step 3: Get a date for the debrief in the calendar before the project ends (ideally before you start)

Step 4: Push for it to be face-to-face, frame it as a positive exercise and end with something social

Step 5: Give the client pointers prior to the meeting so they have time to properly reflect and prepare

Step 6: Consider asking your client to score you on areas such as:

• Clarity of communications

• Project management

• Creative process

• Innovation / proactivity 

• Managing expectations

• Timing / punctuality

• Access to senior people

• Value for money

• Likelihood to recommend

In some situations it may help to involve a neutral party to interview/gather feedback

Step 7: Use the debrief as a chance to talk 'beyond the brief', about their needs, and those of the wider business.

Turn debriefs into a healthy habit.

Because healthy habits pay dividends 🚀