Pause & Reflect Planning Tool

Pause and Reflect is central to collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) as well as to improving programming and development outcomes. USAID defines pause and reflect (P&R) as “a component of learning and adaptive management, the act of taking time to think critically about ongoing activities and processes and plan for the best way forward.” P&R can encompass a broad range of activities that provide structure and intentionality to taking stock of strategies, programming, and/or organizational processes. P&R sessions can generate learning, knowledge, and even data that contribute to evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management. 

It is recommended to pause periodically to reflect on new learning and knowledge and adapt accordingly. The following 2-page tool offers guiding questions for consideration that are especially helpful in planning more complex P&R sessions, such as strategy reviews or pre-workplanning reflections. It is available in English and Vietnamese.