Reality-Based Leadership A tool to process thinking

The SBAR Tool

This simple tool called the SBAR will help you transform conversations that leads to drama into more clarity, less chaos and actionable steps to add the most impact moving forward.

How long is your average “Hey, do you have a minute meeting?”

In our research, these meetings are nearly 45 minutes in length.

The typical topic? Hearsay, speculation, story-telling about things that never happened.

The typical conclusion? Please don’t do anything I just wanted you to know and now I feel better.

Modern leaders navigate this situation more skillfully.

Start here

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SBAR Tool

Work the problem

Two ways to use it. Take the PDF with you, or fill it in right here.

Download the PDF

It is fillable, so you can type straight into it, or print it and write by hand.

or

Fill it in below

It saves as you type on this device, and you can print it when you are done.

When to use this tool

Use this tool when you need to create a clear, concise overview of a problem and move it into action. It is especially useful for converting venting into problem-solving and preventing leaders from jumping in to fix. SBAR helps organize thinking into facts, relevant context, and clear next steps making it one of our most commonly used tools in the entire toolkit.

How it works

Ask the person to complete each section in writing before discussing. The person who processes the problem is the one who takes action on it. If the SBAR does not end with who is doing what, and by when, it is as if it never happened.

SSituation

What is the current situation, issue, or unpreferred reality? One sentence only.

BBackground

What is the relevant background? Why are you bringing this up? Keep it current and connected to organizational goals or strategy.

AAssessment

What expertise (not opinions) have you tapped into? Include facts, data, evidence, best practices, case studies, or input from relevant experts or stakeholders. Avoid assumptions or unsupported conclusions.

RRecommendations

What are at least two possible next right actions? Include the costs, benefits, and trade-offs for each.

Commitment
Alex Dorr  |  © Reality Based Leadership, LLC  |  RealityBasedLeadership.com
Watch Alex use it

Watch how to use the SBAR tool to…