# Pre-Mortem

> Imagine your next big project has failed spectacularly. Teams list why, then turn the causes into preventive actions. Duration: 1 hour. Group size: 4–40 people. Setting: Hybrid. Below you will find a step-by-step guide, the materials and facilitator tips.

URL: https://bravodays.com/en/team-building-library/pre-mortem
Last updated: 2026-10-21
Publisher: BravoDays (https://bravodays.com)

## Key facts

- **Duration:** 1 hour
- **Group size:** 4–40 people
- **Setting:** Hybrid
- **Energy level:** Calm
- **Materials:** Sticky notes and pens, or an online board, A wall with three columns: causes, likelihood, actions
- **Price:** Free, no sign-up

## Objective

Surface hidden risks early in a safe, structured way.

## Materials

- Sticky notes and pens, or an online board
- A wall with three columns: causes, likelihood, actions

## Step by step

1. Describe the project and say: "It is one year later, and it failed. What happened?"
2. Everyone writes causes alone for 7 minutes, one per note.
3. Share and cluster similar causes on the wall.
4. Vote on the 3–5 most likely or damaging causes.
5. Small groups write one preventive action and an owner for each.

## Facilitator tips

- Silent writing first prevents the loudest voices from steering.
- The leader should speak last.

## Related pages

- [Team building library](https://bravodays.com/en/team-building-library)
- [Get a quote](https://bravodays.com/en/get-a-quote)