HeartBeatRetrospectives

While there are ProjectRetrospectives that occur at the end of a project, HeartBeatRetrospectives are a type of InterimRetrospective? that occur rhythmically, typically on a monthly basis. The idea is that they occur even when no particular significant event has occured, but they are intended to give a moment to reflect on work that has been achieved such that lessons can be reflected back into the work process to improve or maintiain it.

This is similar to preventative medicine, like going to the dentist. At the dentist, you are encouraged to visit every six months so that they can suggest improved oral hygene that will prevent cavities. HeartBeatRetrospectives are similar, by examining your process you can establish the same preventative medicine that will stop ProjectRot? or encourage SustainableHealth?.

This observation came from extensive work at ConneXtra, and was presented at Xp2003.

I prefer the term 'introspectives' to 'retrospectives'.

'Retrospectives' implies being done after the event, when it is too late.

'Introspectives' implies looking at your own thought patterns and behaviours while they are happening, which I think is much more useful. -- DaveKirby