What essential question should be asked during lessons learned sessions?

The essential question to ask during lessons learned sessions is focused on evaluating both successes and failures of a project. By asking, "What went right or wrong?", project managers and teams can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their processes, decisions, and strategies throughout the project lifecycle.

This question encourages open discussion about various aspects of the project, allowing team members to reflect on specific incidents or decisions that positively or negatively impacted the project outcomes. Understanding what worked well gives teams the opportunity to replicate successful strategies in future projects, while recognizing what went wrong helps identify areas for improvement, reduces the likelihood of repeating mistakes, and ultimately enhances the overall project management approach.

In a lessons learned session, while factors such as team morale, project timelines, and technology updates might be important to discuss separately, they are not as foundational as understanding the core successes and challenges experienced during the project. This focus ensures that the lessons learned are comprehensive and actionable, forming the basis for future planning and execution.