pre-mortem

Categorize launch risks as Tigers, Paper Tigers, or Elephants with owners and due dates.

Updated Apr 25, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/nshaikhs/claude-code-for-operators --skill pre-mortem-nshaikhs
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pre-mortem
Source: https://github.com/nshaikhs/claude-code-for-operators/tree/main/skills/pre-mortem
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/nshaikhs/claude-code-for-operators --skill pre-mortem-nshaikhs

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps teams systematically uncover and categorize launch risks before a product goes live, turning uncertainties into actionable mitigations.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured risk identification: frame potential launch failures and categorize them as Tigers, Paper Tigers, or Elephants.
  • Actionable mitigation: generate concrete owners, due dates, and next steps for each risk, prioritized by launch-blocking urgency.
  • Stakeholder alignment: supports PRD reviews and launch-readiness sessions with a reproducible pre-mortem artifact.

Quick Start

Provide a PRD or launch plan to guide the pre-mortem assessment and generate an actionable risk register.

Frequently Asked Questions about pre-mortem

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I run a structured pre-mortem analysis for a product launch?▼

To run a structured pre-mortem analysis, you simulate a launch failure, identify potential risks, and categorize them as Tigers, Paper Tigers, or Elephants. The process generates a reproducible risk register with specific owners, due dates, and actionable mitigation plans.

How do I categorize launch risks using Tigers, Paper Tigers, and Elephants?▼

Categorize launch risks by classifying threats as Tigers, Paper Tigers, or Elephants during a simulated failure exercise. This structured risk categorization distinguishes real, high-impact threats from perceived or unspoken concerns to prioritize launch-blocking mitigations effectively.

Can I use this pre-mortem process during a PRD review?▼

Yes, you can use the pre-mortem process during PRD reviews to stress-test product plans and surface unspoken concerns. It helps align stakeholders by generating a reproducible risk register with concrete owners, due dates, and next steps for identified launch risks.

What is the best way to assign owners and due dates for launch readiness mitigations?▼

The best way to assign owners and due dates for launch readiness mitigations is through a structured pre-mortem assessment. By categorizing risks and prioritizing them by launch-blocking urgency, you generate an actionable plan with concrete owners and deadlines for each threat.

What do I need to provide to generate an actionable risk register?▼

You need to provide a PRD or launch plan to guide the pre-mortem assessment. This input allows the analysis to identify potential launch failures, classify risks into structured categories, and produce an actionable risk register with assigned owners and due dates.