Definitionv1DF-431
Blameless postmortem
a structured review of decisions or incidents that explicitly focuses on systems and processes rather than individual fault, assuming good intentions and reasonable actions given available information, and producing specific procedural changes rather than emotional catharsis or blame
Why This Is a Definition
This definition establishes 'blameless postmortem' by naming it, identifying its genus (structured review), and differentia (focus on systems/processes, good intentions assumption, procedural change focus). It distinguishes it from traditional blame-focused reviews and connects it to the broader concept of psychological safety and learning.