In this episode of the Collaboration Superpowers podcast, esteemed guests David Horowitz, Esther Derby, and Diana Larsen discuss how to conduct a successful remote agile retrospective. They highlight the importance of clear goals, structured feedback, and the engagement of all team members. Our guests also discuss common pitfalls in organizing retrospectives, such as lack of preparation and inadequate follow-up on action items.
They reflected on their journey of writing and updating their seminal book on agile retrospectives, noting the adjustments made in the second edition to address changes in the agile landscape and incorporate new learnings.
- Agile Retrospectives 2.0 on Amazon
- David Horowitz on LinkedIn
- Diana Larsen on LinkedIn
- Esther Derby on LinkedIn
Key elements of effective agile retrospectives
“The art of a retrospective lies in thinking, learning, and deciding together.” (Esther Derby)
The interview outlines a structured approach to retrospectives, emphasizing their significance in a remote or hybrid setup. As we embrace these practices, we not only improve our work but also the joy and satisfaction we derive from it.
Preparation Phase
Planning is crucial to ensure the retrospective is productive and focused. Establish clear goals and select appropriate facilitation techniques.
During the Retrospective – Five Phases for Engagement
- Set the Stage
- Gather Data
- Generate Insights
- Decide What to Do
- Close the Retro
Equal participation and engagement are vital. The absence of physical space in remote settings challenges facilitators to find innovative ways to represent it online.
Post-Retrospective
Ensuring follow-through on decisions is critical for the retrospective’s success. Learning and improvement are integral parts of “real work.”
Addressing remote challenges
“What makes a good remote retrospective is largely the same as what makes an effective in-person retrospective.” (David Horowitz)
- Remote agile retrospectives introduce unique challenges, including managing distractions and fatigue. Incorporating frequent breaks and establishing ground rules can help mitigate these issues.
- The shift towards shorter, more frequent retrospectives reflects the fast-paced, communication-rich work environments of today.
Facilitation and continuous learning
- The importance of skilled facilitation cannot be overstated. Developing meeting facilitation skills is essential for improving the quality of group decisions and engagement.
- Continuous improvement and adaptation are at the core of remote agile retrospectives. The practice evolves with the team’s communication rhythms and the broader operational environment.
