Premortem Insights

Feedback is an essential ingredient in every environment. How often have you performed a "postmortem" on a project or strategy that has failed? Ever tried a "premortem?" I wonder what insights we could gain and what obstacles might be eliminated if we took the time before we began the adventure?

Here's how it could work:
Leader briefs the team on the project then announces that the project "has failed spectacularly."
The team spends a few minutes writing down reasons for the project's failure.
Team members take turn reading one reason each until all the reasons are recorded.
Project lead and team look for ways to strengthen the plan before implementation begins.

Think that might help? I wonder how it might impact activities and relationships if we applied the concept beyond organizational projects. Could it be a part of "taking every thought captive' or "considering the costs" before beginning.

This idea comes from Performing a Project Postmortem, an article by Gary Klein.

I think it has powerful potential for impact as we pursue the dream...