Learning Corner: The Pre-Mortem: Spotting Risks Before They Happen
Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Objective:
To surface hidden risks in a plan or decision before you commit, so the team can prevent problems instead of reacting to them.
Materials Needed:
A project or decision your team is about to start
Sticky notes or a shared document
Activity Steps:
1. Set the scene (3 minutes)
Tell the team: "Imagine it's six months from now and this project has failed. What went wrong?"
2. Write privately (7 minutes)
Each person writes as many reasons for the failure as they can, one per note.
3. Share and group (10 minutes)
Go around the room and share one reason at a time. Group similar ones together.
4. Plan prevention (10 minutes)
Pick the top three risks. For each, agree on one action that would make it less likely, and who owns it.
Key Takeaways:
Imagining failure makes it easier for people to name concerns.
Writing privately first brings out quieter voices.
A few prevention steps up front can save a lot of pain later.
Reflection Prompt:
What is one decision coming up where a pre-mortem would help your team?
Want help bringing this to your team? Book a free 30-minute conversation with Tony.
