1 Probing, Learning, Improving and Leading a Nation Avner Halevy, University of Haifa Department of Statistics The Postgraduate Program in Quality July

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Probing, Learning, Improving and Leading a Nation

Avner Halevy, University of Haifa

Department of Statistics

The Postgraduate Program in Quality

July 10, 2007

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Before the debriefing

comes the briefing

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And then the execution

of the briefed plan

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Debriefing is the

foundation stone

of organizational learning

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A correct, successful and effective

execution must strictly abide by

certain rules and principles

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Such as: fear-free, totally

honest, open discussions;

complete mutual trust

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Listening, fact finding,

analyzing, reaching conclusions,

implementing

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Participants must not blame,

reprimand or sanction their

team mates

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Lessons learned must be

disseminated in the

organizational bloodstream

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When an organization

embarks on an

important program

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which does not go too well,

debriefing and learning are

in order.

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This will result in

a thorough

improvement process.

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Imagine an organization that

does not debrief

and learn, but

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nominates judges and hires

lawyers to investigate, prosecute

and punish the ones

who will be found guilty

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Farewell fear-free, open,

courageous reporting and

honest discussions.

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Welcome suspicious,

protective, concealing and

safeguarding attitude

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A state

is an organization too

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When a state embarks on

a risky adventure and events

do not proceed too well

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Debriefing and learning

are in order

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executed by all the persons

concerned and involved with

the program in question

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and ending with a well

thought-out and planned

improvement program.

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But if an investigating or

judicial committee is

nominated instead

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It is goodbye to learning,

goodbye to any chance

of improving ,

hello to witch-hunting

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Lawyers must not replace a

true, pure, learning process .

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(even if they edit national

newspapers or present

popular talk shows )

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Because if they do, the daily

conduct of leaders will be

determined by prospects of

eventual flops.

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You must dare if you want to

succeed. But…

When you dare, be prepared

for occasional setbacks.

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If the public is lurking behind,

waiting for you to fail and

launch judicial committees at

you, don’t dare to dare.

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Behavior will be defensive,

self-protective and leaders

will lead a risk-less,

chance-less nation.

Documents

1 Probing, Learning, Improving and Leading a Nation Avner Halevy, University of Haifa Department of Statistics The Postgraduate Program in Quality July