Analysis · intermediate · 30 min
Pre-Mortem
A method for proactively identifying potential risks and challenges before starting a project. By imagining that the project has already failed, teams can uncover hidden assumptions and identify potential pitfalls.
What participants gain
- Identify potential risks and challenges before starting a project.
- Uncover hidden assumptions and biases.
- Develop actionable steps to mitigate risks.
- Increase the likelihood of project success.
Materials needed
- Whiteboard or large sheet of paper
- Markers or pens
- Sticky notes (optional)
- Pre-Mortem template
- Timer
How to run Pre-Mortem, step by step
- Imagine that the project has already failed. (5 minutes)
- Brainstorm the reasons for the failure. (10 minutes)
- Identify the underlying assumptions and biases. (5 minutes)
- Develop actionable steps to mitigate the risks. (5 minutes)
- Document the risks and mitigation strategies. (5 minutes)
Facilitator tips
- Create a safe space for honest and open discussion.
- Encourage participants to think creatively and identify potential problems they might not otherwise consider.
- Focus on identifying actionable steps to mitigate the risks.
Common challenges
- Participants are reluctant to imagine failure - Solution: Emphasize that the goal is to identify potential problems, not to predict the future.
- The discussion becomes too negative and discouraging - Solution: Focus on identifying actionable steps to mitigate the risks.
- Lack of buy-in from key stakeholders - Solution: Involve all stakeholders in the pre-mortem process and address their concerns.
Running it virtually
Use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or Mural. Create a canvas with different sections for brainstorming potential failure points and mitigation strategies. Use breakout rooms for small group discussions. Facilitate a virtual gallery walk to share the findings.
Expected results
A list of potential risks and challenges, along with actionable steps to mitigate them. Teams will be better prepared to anticipate and overcome obstacles, increasing the likelihood of project success.
Build a session around Pre-Mortem
METODIC drops Pre-Mortem into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.