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Chapter 8 – Lessons learned

8.3. Lessons learned

Lessons learned should be collected and documented throughout the programme, project, or initiative. This provides opportunities to reinforce desirable outcomes while reducing undesirable outcomes for both the current and future projects.

As part of a continuous improvement process, documenting lessons learned during and after implementation of a programme, project or initiative is important. This activity helps the project, communication, and change management teams discover the root causes of any challenges. It also provides insights into how to avoid those problems in later project stages or future projects.  Lessons learned documentation can also benefit your existing programme, project, or initiative during the life cycle of the project if performed between phases or stages.

By conducting lesson learned activities, you will be able to:

  • Provide future programme and project teams with information that can increase effectiveness and efficiency
  • Build on the experience that has been learned from each completed project.

8.3.1. Lessons learned – the process

1. Capture and apply information

  1. Conduct a lessons learned session with your project team
  2. Identify comments and recommendations that could be valuable for your current programme as well as future projects
  3. Analyse and organise the lessons learned for ease of understanding by others who may not be familiar with your programme or project
  4. The facilitator should use lessons learned considerations (mentioned in the template) during the session to help focus the participants thinking and discussion. Finally, the facilitator should always ask the three key questions:
    • What worked?
    • What could we have done better?
    • What actions do we need to take to improve?

2. Store and retrieve information

  1. Lessons learned documents are stored along with other project documents, normally on a shared drive or in some form of project library or repository.
    • Ensure the lessons learned are made available for use on current projects
    • Set a date for the next lessons learned session and review your conclusions.

1.Use the template as a guide

2.Log Lessons learned

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