How do you run a project post-mortem? The secrets to making it truly valuable

You’ve just wrapped up a big project, and everyone lets out a big sigh of relief: finally done! Time to jump into the next one?

Not so fast… There’s still one crucial (and often overlooked) step left: the project post-mortem. Rather than seeing it as a chore, think of it as a powerful way to learn, grow, and strengthen your team.

Why run a project post-mortem?

A project post-mortem is a chance to reflect on what went well and what could have gone better. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate wins and gather lessons you can carry into your future projects.

What questions should you ask?

To really make the most of it, here are a few key questions to guide your discussion:

• What worked well, and why?
• What didn’t go as planned, and what were the reasons?
• What could we have done differently?
• What lessons can we apply to future projects?

By asking these questions, you make sure to avoid repeating mistakes and build on what worked.

What should you cover in a post-mortem discussion?

A good post-mortem should be structured and inclusive. Here are the essentials to touch on:

✓ Celebrate successes (taking time to acknowledge wins is energizing!)

✓ Identify areas for improvement

✓ Make space for everyone’s perspective

✓ Define concrete actions to move forward

What’s a good structure for a project post-mortem?

To keep things focused and productive, it helps to follow a clear structure. Here’s a simple approach:

1️⃣ Introduction: remind everyone of the project goals and why you’re holding a post-mortem.

2️⃣ Celebrate successes: highlight the wins and strong points.

3️⃣ Discuss challenges: talk about what was difficult, without pointing fingers.

4️⃣ Share lessons learned: each team member shares personal takeaways.

5️⃣ Define next steps: clearly outline what to do differently next time.

What pitfalls should you watch out for?

A post-mortem can be an amazing tool, but it can quickly go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are two common traps:

Pitfall #1: The blame game

The goal isn’t to find someone to blame. Instead, focus on understanding what happened and identifying ways to improve next time—without judgment.

Pitfall #2: False consensus

Sometimes, louder voices can take over. Make sure everyone gets a chance to speak, including those who are usually quieter. The more perspectives you gather, the clearer your understanding.

When should you do a post-mortem?

Most people think you should wait until the end of the project. But it can also be really helpful to check in along the way, especially for longer or more complex projects.

→ At the end: to celebrate, analyze, and plan for the future.

→ During: to make real-time adjustments and prevent issues from piling up.

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