Authors James D. Murphy and William M. Duke collaborate on The Debrief Imperative: Fighter Pilots and the Secret Tool that is Transforming Businesses the World Over. Murphy is the Founder and CEO of Afterburner, Inc., which teaches the Flawless Execution® Model of continuous improvement, based on the U.S. Air Force’s debrief strategies. I heard fighter pilots from Afterburner, Inc. present at the very first Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress I ever attended, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book reminds me much of that presentation.

I do believe all leaders will benefit from reading this book. It is an easy read – completed in about two solid hours. The book focuses on how leaders can learn from U.S fighter pilots’ stealth debrief strategies to learn from their mistakes and make continuous improvements. Compelling stories, practical debrief tips, and unique fighter pilot leadership and safety strategies that can be transferred into the business world fill the pages.

The Afterburner, Inc. presentation four years ago changed my perspective of debrief meetings, and The Debrief Imperative solidified that perspective. I think this book is particularly helpful for nursing and other medical professionals that can relate to small mistakes resulting in massive and tragic errors. If you already debrief occasionally, The Debrief Imperative will reinvigorate your enthusiasm to debrief more frequently. If you are a manager or leader who does not routinely debrief, then you definitely need to read and apply The Debrief Imperative.

Leave a comment, and tell me why you’d like The Debrief Imperative, and I’ll send my book copy to the most compelling comment.

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Full disclosure: I received this book free of charge. My opinions above are my own. Neither the publisher nor the authors influenced my views in any way.