Debriefing

Maintaining a positive focus while debriefing is essential to promoting the optimum state of mind for learning. We naturally have a tendency as humans to focus more on the things we did wrong, breaking it down to levels that sometime border ridiculous. Although we do want to recognize and make corrections to mistakes, we have found that a more positive analysis of our jumps create a better learning platform.

By focusing on the positive parts of the jump, we train ourselves to recognize the right way to do things. It also allows us to show our teammates that we notice the great moves they do. When someone tells you that they really liked your move from the Crank to the Meeker then every time that  combination or similar move comes up you are going to take pride in that move and want to show everyone how good and consistent you can do it.

On the flip side when you allow your teammates to recognize their own mistakes you allow them the chance to figure out the best way to correct it for themselves. You learn more by discovering and correcting your own mistakes than by having someone tell you that you did it wrong.

Airspeed’s Debrief System

We have a system in place that allows all that I refer to above to happen in a timely manner. When you debrief 12 jumps in a day that can translate to a lot of wasted time unless it is kept in check. This system increases the learning curve by listening to each others mistakes and fixes and figuring out how this can be applied to yourself. Why make the same mistake that your teammate has made when you can learn from them.

In our debrief system we watch the video twice without talking, on the first viewing you will (more than likely) watch yourself. On the second viewing try to watch the big picture, see your teammates. Watch their good moves and the mistakes. Get ready to learn.

After we watch the video twice we then speak one at a time. While each person talks in turn listen to what they have to say.

When it is you turn to talk:

q      State the positives (about anyone)

q      State things that need improvement (about yourself)

q      State what you can do to improve

q      Be brief, get to the point

q      Straight talk

q      No defensive responses

Always start with positive, things you liked. This can be about anyone; in fact it is strongly encouraged. Complimenting each other performance builds self-esteem giving confidence to push further. Reinforcing correct performance helps commit it to memory increasing the chances of repeating.

Stating your own errors avoids the pitfalls in finger pointing. Having said it yourself leaves no room for abusive accusations from your teammates. It also creates a deeper sense of ownership for the mistake, increasing your responsibility to correct it. Setting goals for improvement from jump to jump will keep you clear and focused on what you are working on. The system will help you come to realize that it is OK to make mistakes, a much easier headspace to learn in.

There are times when one person will not recognize their own mistakes. By doing this they are not allowing any room for improvement and will likely make the same mistake again. This is often the role of a coach to ensure that this gets addressed. It seems that it is easier to accept criticism from an outside coach than from a member of you team. There will be times when your team has no coach and the issue needs to be addressed. If you see the need to critique a teammate, we suggest you follow these rules:

q      Don’t give any input unless you are sure of what you are saying. Look for patterns rather than isolated instances. Think first, then talk.

q      The person who is being criticized needs to resist the temptation to get defensive. This is your teammate talking to you, with the betterment of the team in mind. Listen to what they have to say, they wouldn’t be saying it if it wasn’t important.

q      Open yourself up to the possibility that they could be right. Do not defend yourself. Give serious consideration to what they are saying. If you decide that they are wrong, they may not be seeing the whole picture, don’t debate it. Just go up on the next jump and do the best you know you can. If the mistake keeps reoccurring then consider their input again.