How do I conduct a pre-mortem?

What is a pre-mortem and why should I conduct one?

A pre-mortem is a strategy where a team imagines a project has failed and identifies potential reasons for that failure. It's useful for anticipating risks and improving planning.

How do I organize a pre-mortem session?

Start by gathering your team and setting a clear objective. Then, ask everyone to envision the project failing and list reasons why. Discuss these reasons and develop strategies to mitigate the identified risks.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid during a pre-mortem?

Common pitfalls include not involving the right stakeholders, failing to create a safe space for honest feedback, and not following up on the insights gained.

Can you give me an example of a pre-mortem scenario?

Sure! Imagine a software launch. In a pre-mortem, the team might identify issues like technical bugs, lack of user training, or insufficient marketing as potential failure points.