How do you learn from agile SDLC retrospectives?

1 Why are retrospectives important?

Retrospectives are important because they allow the team to inspect and adapt their processes, practices, and behaviors based on the feedback and data collected during the iteration. Retrospectives also help the team to align their goals, expectations, and values, and to build trust and transparency among the members. By conducting retrospectives, the team can learn from their mistakes, recognize their achievements, and plan for the future.

2 How to prepare for a retrospective?

To prepare for a retrospective, the team needs to collect and analyze relevant information from the iteration, such as metrics, user feedback, bug reports, and team satisfaction. The team also needs to define the purpose, scope, and duration of the retrospective, and to choose a suitable format and facilitator. The facilitator is responsible for creating a safe and constructive environment, guiding the discussion, and ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate and contribute.

3 How to run a retrospective?

To run a retrospective, the facilitator usually follows a four-step structure: set the stage, gather data, generate insights, and decide what to do. In the first step, the facilitator welcomes the team, sets the ground rules, and establishes the goals and agenda of the retrospective. In the second step, the facilitator invites the team to share their observations, feelings, and opinions about the iteration, using various techniques such as timelines, starfish, or mad-sad-glad. In the third step, the facilitator helps the team to analyze the data, identify patterns, root causes, and opportunities for improvement, using techniques such as fishbone diagrams, five whys, or dot voting. In the final step, the facilitator asks the team to prioritize and agree on a few actionable items that they will implement in the next iteration, and assigns owners and deadlines for each item.

4 How to follow up on a retrospective?

To follow up on a retrospective, the team needs to document and communicate the results, such as the key findings, the action items, and the owners. The team also needs to monitor and track the progress and impact of the action items, and to review and update them as needed. The team should also celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and improvements that result from the retrospective, and to share their learnings and best practices with other teams or stakeholders.

5 How to improve your retrospectives?

To improve your retrospectives, the team should seek feedback from each other and from external sources, such as users, customers, or managers. The team should also experiment with different formats, techniques, and tools, and to adapt them to their context and needs. The team should also review their retrospective process regularly, and to evaluate its effectiveness and value. The team should also foster a culture of openness, honesty, and respect, and to embrace change and learning as part of their agile SDLC.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?