Pre-Mortem
Reference model
A pre-mortem helps teams identify risks before they become issues.
About this model
A structured approach to anticipate potential problems in a project by imagining that it has failed and working backwards to determine what could lead to that failure.
Originator not stated.
How to read it
- Consider the project as if it has failed and list reasons why.
- Use the insights to develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.
What this does
Identifies potential failures in a project before it starts, allowing teams to proactively address risks and improve outcomes.
When to use it
Use it when planning a project or initiative to foresee challenges and mitigate risks early on.
Not when: Do not use it when the project is already underway or if the team lacks the necessary context to identify risks effectively.
What happens next
Conduct a risk assessment to prioritize identified risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Golden thread
Builds on ←
- Project charter
- Stakeholder analysis
Feeds into →
- Risk management plan
Use this tool, free
Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.
Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.