pre-mortem

Simulate failure scenarios to identify and categorize product launch risks.

Updated Mar 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/runchr-com/pm-skills-gemini --skill pre-mortem-runchr-com
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pre-mortem
Source: https://github.com/runchr-com/pm-skills-gemini/tree/main/.gemini/skills/pre-mortem
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/runchr-com/pm-skills-gemini --skill pre-mortem-runchr-com

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps product teams proactively identify potential risks and failure points before a product launch, preventing costly mistakes and improving the chances of success.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Risk Identification: Systematically brainstorms potential issues that could lead to launch failure.
  • Risk Categorization: Classifies identified risks into "Tigers" (real problems), "Paper Tigers" (overblown concerns), and "Elephants" (unspoken worries).
  • Urgency Classification: Prioritizes "Tiger" risks into "Launch-Blocking," "Fast-Follow," or "Track" categories.
  • Action Planning: Develops concrete mitigation strategies and assigns owners for launch-blocking risks.
  • Use Case: Before launching a new feature, run this pre-mortem analysis to uncover any hidden technical debt, market misunderstandings, or operational gaps that could jeopardize the launch.

Quick Start

Use the pre-mortem skill to run a risk analysis on the new AI assistant PRD.

Frequently Asked Questions about pre-mortem

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is a pre-mortem analysis for product launch risk mitigation?

A pre-mortem analysis for product launch risk mitigation simulates failure scenarios before release to identify potential issues. It categorizes risks into Tigers, Paper Tigers, and Elephants to systematically prevent costly launch mistakes.

How do I conduct a pre-mortem risk analysis on a PRD?

To conduct a pre-mortem risk analysis on a PRD, simulate launch failure scenarios and brainstorm potential issues. Categorize identified risks into Tigers, Paper Tigers, and Elephants, then prioritize Tigers by urgency and outline mitigation plans.

How are risks categorized and prioritized during a pre-mortem evaluation?

Risks in a pre-mortem evaluation are categorized into Tigers (real problems), Paper Tigers (overblown concerns), and Elephants (unspoken worries). Tiger risks are then prioritized by urgency into Launch-Blocking, Fast-Follow, or Track categories for mitigation.

When should I run a pre-mortem for failure prevention before a release?

You should run a pre-mortem for failure prevention before launching a new feature or product. It helps uncover hidden technical debt, market misunderstandings, or operational gaps that could jeopardize the launch readiness.

What is the best way to create a mitigation plan for launch-blocking risks?

The best way to create a mitigation plan for launch-blocking risks is to classify them during a pre-mortem analysis and develop concrete mitigation strategies. This structured problem-solving approach assigns owners to critical issues to ensure launch readiness.

Can I use a pre-mortem strategy for operational gaps and technical debt identification?

Yes, you can use a pre-mortem strategy for operational gaps and technical debt identification. By simulating failure scenarios, the analysis systematically uncovers hidden technical debt and misunderstandings that could impact the launch.