Shreyas Doshi on pre-mortems, the LNO framework, the three levels of product work, why most execution problems are strategy problems, and ROI vs. opportunity cost thinking

Pre-mortems

Pre-mortem meetings are a proactive approach to identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Shreyas Doshi explains that these meetings allow teams to foresee challenges that might not be apparent during regular project planning, thus reducing the likelihood of project failures 1. By imagining a project's failure in advance, teams can work backward to identify possible pitfalls and address them early on. This method, inspired by a Harvard Business Review article, helps teams avoid the need for extensive post-mortem analyses after issues have already occurred 2.

If you do a pre-mortem right, you will not have to do an ugly post-mortem.

--- Shreyas Doshi

The genius of pre-mortems lies in their ability to extract insights before problems arise, making them an invaluable tool for project management.

   

Psychological Safety

Pre-mortem meetings foster a culture of psychological safety, allowing team members to voice concerns without fear of negativity. Shreyas Doshi highlights that these meetings provide a structured environment where team members can discuss potential threats openly, leading to a shared vocabulary and understanding 3. This approach encourages collaboration and ensures that all team members are aligned on potential risks and mitigation strategies. By including representatives from all relevant functions, pre-mortems ensure comprehensive risk assessment and foster a sense of collective responsibility 4.

A pre-mortem setting gives everybody the license to actually think about what can go wrong.

--- Shreyas Doshi

This shared understanding and openness are crucial for effective project execution.

   

Strategic Alignment

Pre-mortems not only identify potential issues but also reveal underlying strategic and cultural problems. Shreyas Doshi notes that many execution issues are often rooted in deeper strategic misalignments or cultural barriers 5. By addressing these during pre-mortems, teams can prevent execution problems from arising, thus enhancing overall project success. This proactive approach allows teams to focus on strategic alignment and cultural coherence, ensuring that all members are working towards the same goals 1.

Most execution problems are actually strategy problems or culture problems.

--- Shreyas Doshi

By tackling these issues head-on, pre-mortems contribute to a more efficient and harmonious work environment.