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Incident Postmortem Template

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Analyze incidents in a structured & blame-free environment

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Categories

  • Software & IT
  • Product Management
  • Whiteboard Template

KEY FEATURES

  • Reporting

  • Retrospective

  • Analysis

Use this template as a framework for learning and turning problems into progress. Discuss the details of an incident: why it happened, its impact, any actions taken, and what should be done to prevent it from happening again.

How to use the Incident Postmortem template

  1. 1

    Ground Rules

    This is a safe space for sharing feedback:

    • Listen with an open mind

    • Remember that everyone’s experience is valid

    • Focus on finding the root cause, rather than placing blame

  2. 2

    Summarize the incident

    Include what happened why the severity of the incident and how long the impact lasted.
    Stick to the facts. Avoid individual behavior or naming names. You can use sticky notes below to fill in the blanks.

  3. 3

    Add in details

    Add any notable lead-up events any starts of activity the first known impact and escalations. Note any decisions or changes made and when the incident ended along with any post-impact events of note.
    Add this before the session to save time.

  4. 4

    Analyze

    Begin with a description of the impact and ask why it occurred. Note the impact that it had. Ask why this happened and why it had the resulting impact. Then continue asking why until you arrive at a root cause.
    Add sticky notes to question why and answer because as many times as need be.

  5. 5

    Reflect

    Reflect as a group on actions, related incidents, and opportunities.

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