KNOWvember - Learning from Failure—Before It Happens
We all know the value of learning from past mistakes—but what if we could learn from failures before they occur?" [Extract from one of Luke's slides] In this final post of our KNOWvember webinar extract series, we revisit Luke Spencer from the Knowledge & Information Management Unit at the UK Home Office. His focus is on the Catastrophise (or pre-mortem) technique—a powerful approach that helps teams anticipate potential pitfalls and plan proactively. This technique encourages teams to explore everything that could go wrong in a safe, structured environment. With a skilled facilitator guiding the discussion, participants identify risks, share insights, and develop actionable strategies. Unlike traditional risk assessments, the Catastrophise method often sparks deeper engagement and welcomes diverse perspectives—including those who naturally take a more cautious or critical view. Their input can make a significant positive impact. You can watch the full webinar extract (9 ...
