Question

Why is it important document and understand "lessons learned" at the end of the project? In other words, what would a Project Manager or PMO team use these 'lessons learned"?

Answer 1

Capturing lessons learned should be a continuous effort throughout the life of the project.

Lessons acquired are the documented information that reflects both the positive and negative experiences of a project.

It is important to document and understand "lessons learned" at the end of the project. Because:

• We can learn from  both project failures and project successes, Which can be utilized for current projects or identifying project management process.
• Capturing and learning from the project is good for all the team, organization, existing and future projects.
• Documenting the lessons from the project indicates  the organizational commitment to project management excellence and the project manager’s opportunity for learning from the actual experiences of others.
• The captured lessons should be learned and reviewed prior to starting new projects.
• Sharing of the acquired lessons among project team members prevents an organization from repeating the same mistakes.  It also enables them to be advantageous of organizational best practices.
• Innovative approaches and good work practices learned from the previous project can be shared with others. Lessons learned can be used to improve future projects and the further stages of current projects.