Brainwriting Premortem Exercise Notes

Brainwriting Premortem Exercise

Overview

The brainwriting premortem exercise is a team-based, written brainstorming strategy designed to identify potential barriers to the successful implementation of new programs.

  • It addresses the common issue where program failures occur because individuals involved are hesitant to express their concerns or insights.
  • The facilitator's role is to create a safe environment for open communication.
  • The exercise proactively gathers opinions on how a program might fail before it is even implemented.
  • Involving a diverse group of stakeholders is crucial.

Steps

Step 1: Setting the Stage
  • Invite stakeholders to gather around a table.
  • Provide pens and paper in the center of the table.
Step 2: Program Explanation
  • Present a comprehensive explanation of the proposed program.
  • Allocate time for questions to ensure everyone fully understands the implementation plan.
Step 3: Imagining Failure
  • Instruct participants to imagine the program has been implemented and has completely failed.
  • Ask them to individually write down every reason they can think of as to why the program failed.
  • Emphasize that there are no bad ideas.
  • Highlight the benefit of written brainstorming compared to traditional group discussions: it reduces the perceived risk and encourages more honest expression.
Step 4: Idea Exchange
  • Once participants run out of ideas, they should place their paper in the center of the table and take someone else's paper.
  • Participants should read the ideas written on the new paper and add to them, either by generating new ideas or expanding on existing ones.
Step 5: Time Limit
  • The brainwriting premortem session concludes when either everyone is done writing or after 10 minutes have passed.
Step 6: Discussion
  • Collect all the papers.
  • Give each participant an opportunity to share their experiences and ideas.
Step 7: Analysis and Adaptation
  • The collected papers now contain a written record of potential reasons for program failure.
  • Analyze the papers to identify recurring themes and key information.
  • Use these insights to adapt the program and increase its likelihood of success.

Key Takeaway

  • Programs have roughly equal chances of succeeding or failing.
  • Brainwriting premortem sessions can significantly improve the odds of success by proactively addressing potential pitfalls.