The Prime Directive of Retrospectives

When we approach our experiences with compassion and understanding in our journey, we can bring more of our total experience into self-actualization and collective growth. Norm Kerth's Prime Directive of Retrospectives offers a powerful framework for doing just that. This directive encourages us to view our actions and those of others through empathy, fostering a more humane and supportive environment.

What is the Prime Directive?

The Prime Directive states:

"Regardless of what we discover, we understand and truly believe that everyone did the best job they could, given what they knew at the time, their skills and abilities, the resources available, and the situation at hand."

This principle is a cornerstone for conducting effective retrospectives, whether in a professional setting or personal reflection.

Relating to Oneself with Compassion

Applying the Prime Directive to oneself means acknowledging that you have always done your best with the knowledge and resources you have. Self-compassion is crucial for personal growth. It allows you to learn from past experiences without self-criticism, paving the way for continuous improvement and self-actualization.

Fostering Humane Relationships with Others

When we extend the Prime Directive to our interactions with others, we create a brave space where everyone feels valued and understood. This approach helps build trust and mutual respect, which is essential for any supportive collective, whether a team, family, or community. By believing in the good intentions and efforts of others, we can collaborate more effectively and support each other's growth.

Practical Applications

• During team retrospectives, recite the Prime Directive at the start of the session to set a positive tone.

• In personal reflection, say the directive to yourself aloud or write the directive at the top of a page to frame your thoughts and actions with kindness.

• When giving feedback, approach it with the understanding that everyone did their best under the circumstances.

Embracing Norm Kerth's Prime Directive can transform how we relate to ourselves and others. It encourages a culture of empathy, continuous learning, and mutual support, aligning perfectly with our community's mission of collective actualization and passionate exploration.

Productive Practice Questions

1. What experiences have you had where the Prime Directive would have set a better tone for reflection, understanding, and learning?

2. What is a collective to whom you might introduce the Prime Directive to improve communication? What might make you hesitant about it?

3. What’s a recent experience when you could have shown yourself more compassion in this way?

Learn More

Want to know more? Read Project Retrospectives: A Handbook for Team Reviews by Norm Kerth.