Post mortem is the type of meeting that is often totally skipped because it generates extra costs and takes time. However, to draw any conclusions from the finished project it’s good to hold Post Mortem. It is a dedicated space for the team and clients to analyse projects and processes - turning negative energy into productive actions.
📍 Improving team performance. You will identify areas for improvement and find a better way to approach tasks next time
📍 Boosting communication in the team - listening to each other and talking about feelings brings the team closer to each other
📍 Learning from mistakes - figuring out what went wrong will help you develop insights for your next actions
📍 Closing the chapter - this is the way to officially end the project
📍 Increasing team morale - celebrating success together will give you positive energy. Discussing the bugs and problems will give you the opportunity to discuss your fears and end personal tensions
📍 Sharing the results of the meeting in the organization - maybe someone met with similar difficulties but didn’t find a solution? Or the other way around. It will surely be a building block for more transparent communication in the company!
[ ] Appoint a moderator
It's not easy to be neutral when it's your team or project. Find a moderator not related to the project.
[ ] Remember the format of the meeting
It's easy to confuse post mortem with retro. Both meetings are summarizing. Post mortem is a comprehensive analysis of events in the ending project, so as not to make the same mistakes in the next one.
[ ] Be constructive
Find a solution to each reported problem. This helps to maintain a positive outlook and gives the team something to work on.
[ ] Don’t make any feedback personal
The meeting should be a safe space for everyone. Don't attack yourselves mutually. Look for solutions and compromises.
[ ] Stick to the agenda and the specific time for each point
It is important that the organizer tells about the project's background at the beginning and outlines what was going on in it. It's good to show the timeline of events.
[ ] Follow up and action points
Summarize the meeting in a document, e.g. on Notion. Define activities and assign specific people to them.
[ ] Be open and transparent
You all play to one goal and want your cooperation to be comfortable and effective. Be open to feedback and don't treat it personally.
[ ] Stay focused on the facts
Give constructive feedback. Refer to the specific situation. Describe how it influenced you and what improvements you see in this situation.
[ ] Take care of freedom of expression for everyone
Let everyone have a chance to speak up. Allow adequate time for the meeting. Respect the emotions and statements of others.