Free template
Lessons learned template (free Excel download)
Capture lessons as they happen, not only at the end. Each row records what happened, what it caused, and a recommendation with an owner, so the next project can act on it.
Download
Free, no sign-up. .xlsx, 7 KB. Opens in Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers and LibreOffice.
What is inside
Capture lessons as they happen, not only at the end. Each row records what happened, what it caused, and a recommendation with an owner, so the next project can act on it.
| ID | Free text. |
|---|---|
| Phase | Pick from a drop-down: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Handover, Closure |
| What happened | Free text. |
| Effect | Free text. |
| Repeat or change | Pick from a drop-down: Repeat, Change |
| Recommendation | Free text. |
| Owner | Free text. |
Example rows show what good entries look like. Overwrite them, and add rows as you need; the formulas copy down.
How to use it
- Add lessons during the project, not only at the end, while details are fresh.
- Say what happened, what it caused, and whether to repeat it or change it.
- Turn each lesson into a recommendation with an owner, so the next project acts on it.
The full method, with a worked example, is in this article.
When a spreadsheet stops being enough
A spreadsheet works for one project and one person. Once several people update it, or you need the numbers on a dashboard, copies drift apart. Critova has comments and files on every project and activity, shared by the whole team and free during the launch.
Common questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Download it, change it and use it at work. No sign-up and no email address needed.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the .xlsx to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets; the formulas and drop-downs keep working.
Is there an Arabic version?
Yes. Every template comes in English and in Arabic, and the Arabic file is laid out right to left.
Bring one schedule. See your critical path in an hour.
Free during our launch until 31 March 2027.
