What is the recommended length of time to conduct a critique post-incident?

The recommended length of time to conduct a critique post-incident is 60-90 minutes. This duration is ideal because it allows sufficient time for all involved personnel to discuss the incident in detail, reflect on their actions, evaluate the effectiveness of the response, and identify areas for improvement.

During this time, the team can explore various aspects such as communication effectiveness, adherence to protocols, coordination among teams, and overall incident management. This feedback loop is crucial for learning and improving future responses to similar incidents, as it encourages open dialogue without rushing the conversation. Allocating 60-90 minutes ensures that critical insights are gathered, and it promotes a thorough examination of the event, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Shorter durations may not provide enough time for comprehensive discussion and may lead to overlooking significant learning opportunities from the incident. Conversely, extending beyond 90 minutes could lead to diminishing returns where discussions may become less focused or too repetitive, thus reducing the effectiveness of the critique. Therefore, the 60-90 minute window strikes a balance between thoroughness and efficiency.