These downloadable tools provide structured guidance for debriefing conversations in individual and group settings. Both use the What? So What? Now What? framework.
Debriefing Worksheets
Individual Workplace Debriefing Worksheet
Roles
Reflector shares their experience. Listener supports with clarifying questions.
Confidentiality
What is shared stays private unless agreed otherwise.
Timeframe
10–20 minutes
Step 1: What? (Facts)
Reflector describes event briefly and objectively.
Prompt: "What happened?"
Step 2: So What? (Impact)
Reflector shares emotional, ethical, or professional impact.
Prompts:
- "What stood out most?"
- "How did it make you feel?"
- "What was most challenging?"
Step 3: Now What? (Learning)
Reflector identifies insights and next steps.
Prompts:
- "What did you learn?"
- "What might you do differently?"
- "What support would help?"
Step 4: Closing
Key takeaway and wellbeing check.
Quick Checklist for Listener
- Safe space created
- Structure followed
- Reflected without giving advice
- Ended with wellbeing check
- Considered if supervision/referral needed
Group Workplace Debriefing Worksheet
Facilitator Role
One person leads, keeps time, ensures respectful participation.
Confidentiality
Group agrees reflections remain private, not used for performance evaluation.
Timeframe
30–45 minutes depending on group size
Step 1: What? (Facts)
Facilitator invites factual description.
Key phases: start, turning point, conclusion.
Step 2: So What? (Impact)
Each member shares. Equal airtime.
Prompts:
- What stood out?
- What emotions or challenges did you experience?
- What group patterns or themes emerge?
Step 3: Now What? (Learning)
Group identifies collective insights and improvements.
Prompts:
- What did we do well?
- What might we do differently next time?
- What supports, skills, or processes would help?
Step 4: Closing
Group key takeaway and wellbeing check.
Quick Checklist for Facilitator
- Safe space created and maintained
- Equal opportunity for all to speak
- Structure followed
- Themes recorded
- Wellbeing checked
- Referral considered if needed
Application Contexts
- Mediation teams after difficult case
- Workplace units after high-stress meeting
- Training groups after role plays
These worksheets can be printed for use in supervision sessions, team meetings, or personal reflective practice. Consider keeping a completed copy in your supervision portfolio.