Critical Reflections is a process that leaders can use to help their groups learn lessons from key events, positive or negative. The basic process is short and simple. It begins with a key event and includes three stages: exploring--reliving the event and sharing perceptions of what happened; reflecting--reaching an understanding of how and why it happened; and projecting--harvesting lessons for the future. The goal is to create a specific action plan that will set the stage for a productive future.