Run Effective Post-Mortems
Post-mortems aren't about blame — they're about learning. AI helps you structure reviews that improve future projects.
Works with:
Example Prompt
I need to run a post-mortem for: [PROJECT]. Outcome: [SUCCESS/PARTIAL/FAILURE]. What went well: [WINS]. What went wrong: [PROBLEMS]. Surprising discoveries: [UNEXPECTED THINGS]. Help me structure a post-mortem that: 1) Celebrates wins, 2) Identifies root causes without blame, 3) Creates actionable improvements.
Pro Tip
Ask "why" five times to get to root causes. Surface-level fixes don't prevent repeat problems.
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Tags:
Run Effective Post-Mortems
Every project has lessons. Post-mortems ensure you actually learn them.
The Problem
Bad post-mortems:
- Become blame sessions
- Focus on people, not processes
- Generate too many actions
- Get skipped entirely
How AI Helps
AI structures post-mortems that dig into root causes, avoid blame, and produce actionable improvements.
When to Use This
- After project completion
- Following incidents
- Post-launch reviews
- Quarterly reflections
- After major milestones
Tips for Best Results
- Start with wins - Build positive momentum
- Focus on systems - What process failed?
- Ask "why" repeatedly - Find root causes
- Limit actions - 2-3 you'll actually do
Try It Now
Copy the prompt, describe your project honestly, and create a post-mortem that improves future work.
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