Agile Retrospectives Done Right - Agile Coach (2019)

What Are Retrospectives and How to Conduct Them?

Introduction to Retrospectives

• Retrospectives are a crucial Scrum ceremony aimed at reflecting on the previous sprint and identifying areas for improvement.

• They help teams evaluate what went well, what didn't, and create a plan for enhancing future sprints.

Structure of a Retrospective

• The retrospective occurs after the sprint review and before the next sprint planning meeting, typically lasting about 30 minutes per week of iteration.

• All team members should attend, with discussions facilitated by a designated person (Scrum Master, Product Owner, or any team member).

Five Steps to Conducting a Retrospective

Step 1: Preparation

• Gather necessary supplies: whiteboard/wall, sticky notes, pens, and timer. Clear space for activities.

Step 2: Setting the Stage

• Establish a positive environment by reminding participants of Norm Kerth's prime directive emphasizing understanding and continuous improvement.

• Encourage participants to leave distractions behind (phones/laptops) and clarify the time frame being discussed.

Step 3: What Went Well?

• Distribute sticky notes for team members to write down positive outcomes from the last sprint within three to five minutes.

• Focus on strengths rather than complaints; share ideas aloud while fostering empathy among team members.

Step 4: What Needs Improvement?

• Repeat the sticky note exercise but focus on areas that could be improved without assigning blame.

• Facilitate discussion around these points while avoiding immediate solutions or rebukes.

Step 5: Next Steps

• After discussing positives and negatives, identify concrete actions for improvement.