Retrospective

Identify how to improve teamwork by reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and why. We recommend running a Retrospective with your team every couple of weeks or at the end of a project milestone.

Instructions

1. Prep

For remote teams, start by creating a new collaboration document, like a Google Docs page or a Trello board. For help, see templates (above)

For in-person teams, find a whiteboard or large paper, and set out Post-It notes and markers in a meeting room.

On the page, board, paper, or whiteboard, create three columns with the headings “What we did well”, “What we can do better”, and “Actions”.

And, if possible, get a neutral third party to help facilitate the meeting. This will encourage greater participation and uncover more insights.

2. Set the stage

• Don’t make it personal, don’t take it personally

• Listen with an open mind

• Everyone’s experience is valid

• Set the time period you’re discussing (last sprint, last quarter, entire project, etc.)

• Focus on improvement, rather than placing blame

If you’ve run a Retrospective previously, quickly revisit the themes and actions from last time to build a sense of continuity.

3. What we did well

Using either a digital whiteboard or a physical one, have each team member write down what the team did well, one idea per note. Post the notes, and group similar or duplicate ideas together. Discuss each one briefly as a team.

4. What we can do better

Have everyone write down what they think can be improved, one idea per note. Post the notes, and group similar or duplicate ideas together. Discuss each theme as a team.

5. Actions

Have everyone brainstorm actions that can be taken to improve problem areas, one idea per note.

Post the notes and group similar or duplicate ideas. Discuss each idea as a team, and assign owners to these actions and due dates as necessary.