Chapter 45

How Do I Record Lessons Learned?

The error of the past is the wisdom and success of the future.

Dale E. Turner

Project team members and leaders don't always record or share lessons learned because there are few rewards for doing so. At the end of a project, energy is focused on deliverables and tying up loose ends. Many leaders don't request a thorough review because they have already redirected their attention to other active projects, and fighting new battles is more pressing than documenting old ones. Others are not keen to reveal mistakes for fear they will overshadow the project's accomplishments. Still others don't see negative consequences arising from ignoring lessons learned and therefore do not take action.

The project manager ...

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