Pre-Mortem
A Pre-Mortem is a structured exercise where you ask a group to imagine that a project, plan, or initiative has already failed, then work backwards to figure out what went wrong. Instead of the usual optimism that surrounds planning, you flip the script and give people explicit permission to think about failure.
✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants
What You'll Achieve with the Pre-Mortem Workshop
Real outcomes that transform your team
Identifying potential risks before project launch.
Enhancing team collaboration and communication.
Strengthening the overall project plan.
When to Use the Pre-Mortem Workshop
Perfect for these situations and team challenges
Before launching a product or campaign to assess potential risks.
After planning to ensure all possible concerns are addressed.
How the Pre-Mortem Workshop Works
A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process
1Setup
Prepare the environment by confirming that the project plan is clear and available to participants, arranging seating, and preparing materials.
2Step 1: Set the Scene
Create psychological safety by explaining the purpose of the Pre-Mortem and encouraging open discussion about potential failures.
3Step 2: Individual Generation
Participants individually write down potential reasons for project failure on sticky notes, focusing on being specific and generating multiple ideas.
4Step 3: Share and Post
Each participant shares their sticky notes with the group, posting them on a wall or whiteboard, while similar notes are grouped together.
Key Topics Covered in the Pre-Mortem Workshop
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