Learn from experience

PRINCE2 encourages project teams to learn from previous projects to improve their approach and decision-making. Teams should actively seek out lessons learned from past projects and apply these insights throughout the project lifecycle.

While every project is unique and comes with inherent risks and unknowns, learning from previous experiences helps to mitigate these challenges. PRINCE2 emphasizes that project teams should take the initiative to gather lessons from similar projects within the organization, or, if none are available, seek advice from external sources such as consultants.

Timing

“learn from experience” is a principle that spans the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure. Lessons learned during the project should be recorded in the lessons log and shared for future projects. It’s also important that every project team member takes responsibility for seeking out lessons rather than waiting for others to offer them.

Learning from experience happens at each stage of the project:

• At the start of the project: Review previous or similar projects to identify relevant lessons. For new or unique projects, especially those involving unfamiliar content or processes, learning from external sources is even more critical.
• As the project progresses: Continue to capture lessons throughout the project. These lessons should be included in reports and reviews at the end of each stage. Teams should look for ways to implement improvements based on ongoing lessons learned. For example, agile projects may use retrospectives to gather and implement lessons.
• At project closure: Share the insights gained during the project with the wider organization to benefit future projects.

Examples

Two examples of lesson learned for a construction project:

• Lesson 1: Importance of detailed site preparation:
  • Lesson learned: In the initial stages of the project, inadequate site preparation caused delays due to unforeseen obstacles (e.g., underground utilities or soil issues).
  • Recommendation: Ensure thorough site surveys and soil tests are completed before project commencement to avoid delays and unexpected costs.
• Lesson 2: Effective communication with contractors
  • Lesson learned: Miscommunication between the project manager and subcontractors led to delays in material procurement and misaligned schedules.
  • Recommendation: Establish clear communication protocols and regular check-ins with subcontractors to ensure everyone is aligned on timelines, tasks, and deliverables.

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Written by Frank Turley.

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