The Power of Retrospectives A Commitment to Continous Improvement

As cliché as it may sound, we’re living and working in fast-paced environments. The team finished a sprint... on to the next! The team completed a project… and the next one already started! There’s rarely any breathing space or reflection time, but it’s up to the project manager to create that space, even in dynamic work settings. The retrospective—often overlooked or done in a hurry—is the unsung hero of continuous improvement within teams. They are not just good, but essential for teams striving for excellence.

As teams complete and deliver tasks, features, projects, etc., we sometimes forget what has been accomplished. We’re too focused on the end goal and overlook all the milestones in between. The retrospective provides an opportunity to pause, acknowledge, and celebrate the team's achievements, no matter how small. This recognition boosts team morale as well as reinforces a healthy work environment. Let’s celebrate the wins!

Retrospectives can also encourage open communication. One of the scrum framework’s pillars is transparency, and the retrospective cannot be effective without it. Team members are prompted to express their thoughts and convey any concerns or suggestions to the rest of the team. Open communication not only strengthens teamwork but also ensures alignment toward shared goals. This, in turn, provides valuable insights.

No project or process is perfect, and there's always room for refinement. Retrospectives enable teams to pinpoint areas that require attention and then brainstorm approaches for improvement. Without retrospectives, teams risk repeating the same mistakes and missing opportunities for improvement. This proactiveness allows teams to grow and build trust among team members. Retrospectives are not just meetings but rather opportunities for growth, collaboration, and improvement. Whether it’s held at the end of a sprint or of a project, retrospectives empower teams to learn from the past, adapt in the present, and excel in the future.

Some Practical Retrospective Tips

• Safety is paramount: It’s important to set the tone of the retrospective to encourage the team to share their perspectives and feedback and for everyone to respect others’ points of view. All egos and titles should be left at the door/virtual waiting room.
• Fully embrace it: It also offers teams the opportunity to reflect and grow as a team by assessing what went well, what didn't, and why. By addressing weaknesses/opportunities proactively, teams can improve efficiency, quality, and overall performance.
• Prepare: If possible, create time for people to think and reflect individually before the retrospective happens. Sometimes a retrospective survey can help.
• Have them often: We prefer retrospectives after each Sprint. It keeps ideas fresh and also builds the muscle of providing (and receiving!) feedback.