How do you document and share the lessons learned from a bid debrief?

1 Prepare for the debrief

Before you attend the debrief session with the client, make sure you have a clear understanding of the bid evaluation criteria, the scoring system, and the feedback format. Review your proposal and identify the strengths and weaknesses, as well as any questions or concerns you have. Assign a team member to take notes during the debrief and record the main points, comments, and recommendations from the client.

3 Document the lessons learned

The next step is to document the lessons learned in a concise and structured way. You can use a template or a tool to capture the essential information, such as the bid details, the feedback summary, the lessons learned, and the action items. You can also include any supporting documents, such as the proposal, the scoring sheet, and the debrief notes. Make sure the document is clear, accurate, and easy to read.

5 Implement the action items

Sharing the lessons learned is not enough if you don't act on them. You should also implement the action items that you identified from the debrief and monitor their progress and impact. For example, you may need to update your bid strategy, revise your templates, train your staff, or improve your relationships with the client. You should also track and measure the results of your actions and adjust them as needed.

6 Learn from others

Another way to document and share the lessons learned from a bid debrief is to learn from others who have gone through similar experiences. You can join online forums, groups, or networks where bid professionals exchange tips, advice, and best practices. You can also attend webinars, workshops, or events where you can hear from experts and peers. You can also read blogs, articles, or books that offer insights and guidance on bid preparation and debriefing.