Frame
Premortem
Imagining that a plan has already failed, then listing why, so you can prevent it.
What is Premortem?
Imagining that a plan has already failed, then listing why, so you can prevent it.
What you learn
Imagine the plan failed and ask why. Fix those causes now.
When it helps
a plan is about to start, and people seem confident or quiet about the risks.
Use it at work
- Say: “It’s a year from now, and this failed.”
- Each person writes why, alone, for a few minutes.
- Share and group the reasons.
- Act now on the likely, serious ones you can control.
Your output
At your next kickoff, ask: “It failed. Why?” Act on the causes that are likely, serious and in your control.
Watch for
Planning only for success, with risks left unspoken.
Related practices
Sources
Enable JavaScript to try the interactive activity.