As a board member of my condo corporation, I have overseen more projects than I can remember, both large and small. The scale of these projects span from installing TV screens in the lobby to renovating the entire lobby itself. Projects are a regular part of condo life and necessary projects are even outlined in the reserve fund study. As such, effective project management is essential for property managers and board members. In this blog, I will discuss a valuable tool I use in my project management process - pre- and post-mortem analysis - which I believe can benefit any property manager or board.

What is a pre- and post-mortem analysis?

Project pre- and post-mortems are an essential part of any property management and board’s success. These discussions provide an opportunity for team members to reflect on what could go wrong with the project before it begins, and on what went well or could have been improved after the project has completed.

Pre-mortem analysis, also known as "pre-mortem planning," is a process in which a team anticipates potential problems that could arise during a project and develops a plan to address them. This type of analysis can help to identify potential roadblocks before they occur, allowing the team to proactively address them and reduce the likelihood of delays or failure. I believe it’s so helpful for a team to get together to openly discuss all the ways things could go wrong before starting a major project.

Post-mortem analysis, also known as "post-project review," is a process in which a team reflects on the completed project and identifies areas for improvement. This type of analysis can help to identify what worked well, what didn't work well, and what could be done differently in the future. It also allows the team to take action to address any issues that were identified, which can help to improve the outcome of future projects.

Reasons why pre- and post-mortem analysis is important

Improving outcomes: By identifying and addressing issues before they occur, pre-mortem analysis can help to improve the outcome of a project. By reflecting on what worked well and what didn't work well after a project is completed, post-mortem analysis can help to improve the outcome of future projects.

Identifying best practices: Pre- and post-mortem analysis can help to identify best practices and strategies that can be used to improve the success of future projects.

Facilitating learning and growth: Both pre- and post-mortem analysis provide an opportunity for team members to learn from their experiences and to grow as individuals and as a team.

Building trust: By holding open and honest conversations about what worked well and what didn't work well, pre- and post-mortem analysis can help to build trust among team members.

Encouraging accountability: Pre- and post-mortem analysis can help to encourage accountability by making sure that everyone on the team is aware of what worked well and what didn't work well and by holding everyone accountable for taking action to address any issues that were identified.

In conclusion, pre- and post-mortem analysis are crucial for the success of any project or team. By proactively identifying and addressing issues, reflecting on past experiences, and taking action to improve future outcomes, pre- and post-mortem analysis can help to improve the success of future projects and build a stronger and more effective team.