About this Project Lessons Learned Template
This project lessons learned template can be used to record all aspects, impacts, and experiences of a project, which could then be used to identify actions and recommendations for existing and future projects. Documenting lessons learned during and after a project has been completed can prevent a repeat of unwanted outcomes and build on project successes. By not learning from project failures a business can be doomed to repeat similar situations and by not maximizing project successes, management can miss opportunities to successfully complete existing and future work.
How to Document Project Lessons Learned
Learning occurs on every project we work on, as we learn from our own experiences as well as the experiences of others. Project lessons can help project teams avoid making the same mistakes, and can help teams learn from their successes. There are a few things to keep in mind when documenting project lessons including:
- Be objective.
- Avoid bias and document both the positive and negative experiences.
- The influential aspects and impacts on the project, project managers, and project stakeholders.
- Describing all internal and external influences to be captured in the final lessons learned report.
- Being as specific as possible when documenting experiences.
- Noting what happened and what could have happened with the project lifecycle.
- Defining actions for future projects when applying the lessons learned.
- Conducting a lessons learned session post-project.
Note: Make sure to document lessons learned as soon as possible after the event, so they are not forgotten.
It is worth remembering that documenting lessons learned can help improve communication between project review team members and between different project planning departments within an organization too. Project learning is never complete, as there will always be an opportunity for a lessons learned process in project management.
Availability and Use of this Project Lessons Learned Template
- This lessons learned template is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Checkout for Free Now’ button.
- This document and it will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Excel format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.