Pre-Mortem Diagnostic: Killing the Project to Save It
A high-impact, short-duration engagement to identify and assess the potential failure points of a critical strategic initiative before significant resources are committed.
Systematically Dismantling Optimism Bias
The Pre-Mortem Diagnostic is a structured, independent, and confidential forum designed to systematically dismantle optimism bias and groupthink within a leadership team. It helps surface the complex, often unstated, assumptions that represent the most significant threats to a project's success.
The Diagnostic Process (2-3 Weeks)
- Scoping & Alignment: A session with the project sponsor to define the scope, confirm desired outcomes, and agree on a clear definition of "failure".
- Intelligence Gathering: Confidential review of core project documentation (investment case, project plan, financial models) to understand the core logic and stated assumptions.
- The Pre-Mortem Workshop: A facilitated session where stakeholders imagine the project has already failed catastrophically and work backwards to identify every plausible cause.
- Synthesis & Critique: We synthesise the workshop output into a concise Critique Memorandum, analysing underlying patterns and identifying the most critical unexamined assumptions.
- Executive Debrief: A confidential session to present the findings and facilitate a discussion on actionable next steps.
Core Outcomes
- Identification of previously unexamined strategic assumptions.
- A clear action plan for mitigating high-impact, low-probability risks.
- Increased clarity and commitment among the leadership team before launch.
Engagement Profile
Best For:
De-risking major projects, transformations, or investments prior to launch.
Typical Duration:
Rapid Execution: 2-3 Weeks
Key Deliverable:
A concise Critique Memorandum and an Executive Debrief with actionable recommendations.