# Run Premortem

> Imagine catastrophic failure and work backwards to prevent it

- Skill: `synapseradio/run-premortem` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add synapseradio/run-premortem`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/synapseradio/run-premortem/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: synapseradio (https://skillmd.com/u/synapseradio)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/synapseradio/run-premortem

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Follow these steps:

### 1. Assume failure

Assume the plan has already been implemented and failed catastrophically. Write the headline.

### 2. Work backwards

What went wrong?

### 3. Generate failure modes

Across technical, human, process, external, and timing dimensions — without censoring.

### 4. Surface hidden assumptions

What was taken for granted? What dependencies were invisible?

### 5. Group by theme

Group failure modes by theme.

### 6. Find the unaddressed

Identify which ones the current plan does not address.

### 7. Design interventions

Design interventions for the most dangerous.