premortem

Simulate a future failure to identify root causes and preventative measures.

2.3k|357|Updated Feb 12, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/MaxMiksa/Auto-Company --skill premortem-maxmiksa
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: premortem
Source: https://github.com/MaxMiksa/Auto-Company/tree/main/.claude/skills/premortem
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/MaxMiksa/Auto-Company --skill premortem-maxmiksa

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps proactively identify potential failure points in a plan or initiative by simulating a future failure and working backward to uncover root causes and preventative measures.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Risk Identification: Uncovers hidden risks and assumptions that might be overlooked in standard planning.
  • Preventative Strategy: Develops concrete mitigation and prevention strategies for identified risks.
  • Use Case: Before launching a new product feature, use this Skill to imagine the launch failed spectacularly. Work backward to identify what went wrong (e.g., server overload, poor marketing messaging, critical bug) and define steps to prevent those specific failures.

Quick Start

Run a pre-mortem analysis on the upcoming Q4 marketing campaign plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about premortem

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

FAQPage Schema
What is a pre-mortem analysis and when should I use it for strategic planning?

A pre-mortem analysis is a risk identification technique that simulates a future failure scenario and works backward to uncover root causes. Use it during strategic planning or before high-risk product launches to proactively identify hidden risks and assumptions.

How do I conduct a pre-mortem analysis for a product launch?

To conduct a pre-mortem analysis, imagine the product launch failed spectacularly, then work backward to identify what went wrong. This process uncovers root causes, likelihood, impact, and defines concrete preventative measures to mitigate those specific failures.

Can I use pre-mortem risk analysis for scenario planning on high-risk projects?

Yes, pre-mortem risk analysis is applicable to high-risk projects and scenario planning. It helps uncover hidden risks and assumptions that might be overlooked in standard planning by simulating failure scenarios and developing preventative strategies.

Does a pre-mortem analysis help with failure prevention for marketing campaigns?

A pre-mortem analysis helps with failure prevention by simulating a failed marketing campaign and working backward to identify root causes like poor messaging. It then develops concrete mitigation and prevention strategies for those identified risks.

What is the best way to identify potential failure points in a project plan?

The best way to identify potential failure points is running a pre-mortem analysis. It simulates a future failure scenario and works backward to uncover root causes, likelihood, impact, and preventative measures for your project plan.