Final Answer:
The absolute minimum that should be accomplished in a project post-mortem, according to Ed Catmull of Pixar and Disney Animation, is to identify three key elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. What worked well: This involves reflecting on and acknowledging the successful aspects of the project. It is important to recognize the strategies, processes, or actions that led to positive outcomes so they can be replicated in future projects.
2. What didn't work: This step requires a candid assessment of the aspects of the project that failed or did not meet expectations. Understanding what went wrong is crucial because it helps in learning from mistakes and avoiding similar issues in the future.
3. What could be improved for next time: Along with identifying what went right and what went wrong, it is essential to pinpoint areas for potential enhancement. This means looking for opportunities to refine and optimize processes, communication, management, and other facets of project work.
By completing these three steps during a project post-mortem, a team can better understand their performance, learn valuable lessons, and apply these insights to improve the execution of subsequent projects, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement.