In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss the concept of After Action Reviews (AARs), emphasizing their importance in fostering a culture of learning and improvement within teams. They outline the structure and purpose of AARs, highlighting the need for open communication, accountability, and trust. The conversation covers the four key questions to guide AARs, the significance of documenting outcomes, and the necessity of involving all team members in the process. The episode concludes with resources for implementing effective AARs in various organizational contexts.

Takeaways

AARs are essential for team improvement and trust-building.

The purpose of AARs is to learn from experiences, not to assign blame.

Creating a safe environment is crucial for honest discussions.

AARs should be conducted soon after events to capture accurate insights.

Accountability and trust are fundamental to effective AARs.

Involving everyone in the AAR process enhances understanding and communication.

Documenting outcomes ensures that learnings are actionable.

AARs can be scaled to fit any size of team or organization.

Positive outcomes should also be recognized during AARs.

Chapters

08:22 The Structure and Purpose of AARs

14:23 Conducting Effective AARs

27:02 Implementing Lessons Learned from AARs

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www.outsiders-group.com

After Action Review, AAR, team improvement, accountability, trust, learning culture, leadership, communication, feedback, performance

In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss the significance of values in leadership and organizational culture. They explore how values guide actions, influence team dynamics, and impact customer loyalty. Through examples from companies like Chick-fil-A and Apple, they illustrate the importance of living values daily and the consequences of neglecting them. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to collaboratively develop and implement values within their organizations to foster a strong culture and drive success.

Takeaways

Values are fundamental beliefs that guide actions.

Organizational values should be lived, not just written.

Values influence team dynamics and culture.

Customer loyalty is driven by consistent values.

Leaders must model the values they promote.

Values should be developed collaboratively with the team.

Ignoring values can lead to trust issues with customers.

Values impact employee retention and attraction.

Values are critical to overall business success.

In this episode, Craig and Andrew discuss the essential elements of performance improvement coaching, focusing on how leaders can effectively navigate difficult conversations with their team members. They emphasize the importance of maintaining standards, setting clear expectations, and identifying root causes of performance issues. The conversation also covers the development of actionable plans for improvement and the significance of follow-up and accountability in the coaching process. This episode aims to equip leaders with practical tools and strategies to enhance team performance and foster a supportive work environment.

Takeaways

Performance improvement coaching is essential for leaders.

Difficult conversations can be constructive if approached correctly.

Maintaining standards is crucial for team success.

Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings.

Identifying root causes is key to solving performance issues.

Action plans should involve both the leader and the employee.

Regular follow-ups ensure accountability and progress.

Leaders must provide resources and support for their team.

Communication is vital in setting expectations and deadlines.

Adjustments to plans can be made as needed to ensure success.

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www.outsiders-group.com

In this podcast episode, Joseph Kopser shares his journey from a 20-year Army veteran to a successful entrepreneur with the founding of Ride Scout. He discusses the challenges of balancing military life with entrepreneurship, the importance of leadership, and the lessons learned from his experiences. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Leading to Win conference, aimed at bridging the gap between military and civilian communities, and fostering collaboration among various organizations supporting veterans.

Takeaways

People will be what they can see, especially in the military and veteran community.

Set out to fix a problem, not just to build a company.

Leadership is about getting someone to do something they wouldn't do on their own.

Networking can happen informally, one beer at a time.

Transformational leadership requires identifying and implementing change effectively.

www.outsider-group.com

www.commandpostcohort.com

In this episode of Command Post Cohort, Craig and Andrew dig into one of the most underrated leadership tools—the one-on-one meeting. Whether you call it a touchpoint, coaching session, or counseling, the title doesn’t matter as much as the intent: authentic conversations that build trust, uncover roadblocks, and develop your people.

They walk through a practical, flexible one-on-one meeting template that leaders can use to support team members, track progress, provide feedback, and align goals. Craig shares lessons from his Army experience, and Andrew tells a story of how one conversation helped unlock a soldier’s potential—leading to the best retention rate in U.S. Army Europe.

If you’re a new leader looking for a structure—or a seasoned one trying to reset expectations—this episode offers real talk, real tools, and real stories to help you lead better today.

📎 Download the free one-on-one template at commandpostcohort.com
📺 Watch this episode on YouTube for the screen-shared walkthrough
💬 Connect with us and suggest topics at commandpostcohort.com

Enhance Your Leadership Skills with Proven Strategies

Andrew and Craig discuss the challenges and responsibilities of leadership, particularly in a military context. Andrew shares his experience of establishing a new unit within the Army, detailing the various obstacles he faced and the importance of taking charge. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to be proactive, build teams, and find solutions to problems, even when those tasks fall outside their traditional roles. The conversation highlights the significance of trust, adaptability, and decision-making in effective leadership.

Takeaways

• Leadership requires taking charge and being proactive.
• Building a team of teams is essential for success.
• Leaders must navigate unfamiliar responsibilities effectively.
• Overcoming obstacles often involves creative problem-solving.
• Trust in your abilities and the support of your team.
• Assuming risk can lead to faster decision-making.
• Communication is key in coordinating efforts across teams.
• Leaders should come with solutions, not just problems.
• Adaptability is crucial in dynamic environments.
• Leadership and change are inherently linked.

www.outsiders-group.com

www.commandpostcohort.com

leadership, military, team building, problem solving, responsibility, decision making, trust, organizational structure, communication, adaptability

In this conversation, Craig and Andrew discuss the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of accepting responsibility, making decisions, and effectively communicating within a team. They explore the challenges new leaders face, the necessity of stepping up in crisis situations, and the critical role of problem-solving in leadership. The discussion highlights real-world examples from the fire department and other leadership contexts, providing insights into the dynamics of leading a team and the courage required to navigate various challenges.

Takeaways

• Leadership requires accepting responsibility for decisions.
• New leaders often struggle with stepping into their roles.
• Effective communication is crucial in leadership.
• Leaders must solve problems proactively.
• It's important to view oneself as a leader.
• Courage is necessary for making tough decisions.
• Leaders should come with solutions, not just problems.
• Team dynamics play a significant role in leadership success.
• Understanding the impact of decisions on the team is vital.
• Leadership is a continuous learning journey.

www.commanpostcohort.com

www.outsiders-group.com

#leadership #leader #communication #purpose #standards #trust

This conversation explores the journey of a military veteran transitioning into the startup world, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Johanna Wynne shares insights on the importance of taking risks, the clash of cultures between military and startup environments, and the unique challenges faced by women in the military. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the discussion emphasizes the significance of mentorship, innovation, and the need for trust and delegation in leadership roles.

Recorded live at the Military-Connected Mentorship Meetup in Austin Texas, with special thanks to The Capital Factory,@TexasVeteranChambersCoalition‬ , ‪@IVMFBunkerLabs‬, ‪@IVMFSyracuseU‬, ‪@combinedarmsus‬, and Dress for Success Austin Takeaways

• Life is short, and we should seize opportunities now.
• Failure is an essential ingredient to success.
• Trusting others is crucial for scaling a business.
• The military and startup cultures can clash significantly.
• Women veterans often face unique challenges in visibility and advocacy.
• It's important to listen to your inner voice and follow your path.
• Delegation can be difficult but is necessary for growth.
• Being part of a supportive community is vital for women in the military.
• Taking risks can lead to valuable learning experiences.
• Navigating change requires adaptability and open-mindedness.

www.commandpostcohort.com

www.outsiders-group.com