Let's talk about the last event in the Sprint - the Introspective. Yes, you read it correctly.

While the Scrum Guide mentions the Retrospective as a time for the Scrum Team to inspect how the last Sprint went in terms of individuals, interactions, processes, tools, and their definition of Done, it implies that this event should also serve as a moment for the Scrum Master, as part of the Scrum Team, to pause and reflect on the last Sprint. The intentions in the Scrum Guide are commendable, but the reality often differs.

This year, I facilitated more than 30 retrospectives and participated in exactly one. Why is that?

My personal goal is to provide a safe place for people to talk about the last sprint and to collaborate on crafting actions. It sounds good, and it is for everyone except for the Scrum Master as a person at the end of the (Sprint) day. On the one hand, we (Scrum Masters) are forgetting our possibility to participate, and on the other, always contemplating how to express thoughts, opinions, and observations to remain neutral and align people's observations, opinions, and feelings into one round-aligned package. For that reason, what we mostly do is withdraw from participation.

That brings me to the next question: where is the event for a Scrum Master?

I've created, or at least, I think something meaningful, is to talk about a new event – the Introspective Event. It serves as dedicated time for me to delve into my internal observations, reflecting on thoughts, feelings, and mental states.

Why is this important to me? It's a quest to comprehend and develop a deeper understanding of my emotions, motivations, thought patterns, and overall mental state. This self-exploration becomes my reset button for the upcoming Sprint. It allows me to unload my own 'trailer.' In this metaphorical context, every trailer has a maximum cargo load. When overloaded, it inevitably breaks under the weight, unfortunately, much like our mental health.

Why do I need an Introspective Event?

Scrum Masters bear the weight of team members' emotions and problems, taking proactive measures to support and solve the issue that the team cannot solve itself. In this context, we serve as emotion-impediment warriors, embodying the principles of Servant Leadership. We transform dreams into reality while fulfilling our accountability as Scrum Masters, fostering effectiveness, and enabling continuous improvement within the Scrum Team. However, amidst these responsibilities, it's crucial for us to take a pause at the end of the sprint. Often, we find ourselves immersed in the team's challenges, neglecting our well-being. The end of the sprint becomes an ongoing, personal emotional marathon.

What do I use on Introspective Event?

Allow me to share a method that I have used lately for the Introspective Event after each sprint. I rely on the Wheel of Life, a valuable tool in life coaching and self-help. Traditionally, this wheel encompasses eight categories or areas essential for a well-balanced life. Participants rate their satisfaction levels in each area, creating a visual representation of their 'life balance.' For my introspective adaptation, I customize it with eight categories, incorporating different aspects than the original. I encourage you to create your own categories over time, fostering a creative bond with your 'inner self.” In these eight categories, I provide you with my direction and way of interpreting every category; it is useful for me, but it doesn't mean that it works for you. Accept that evaluating and giving a note to a category requires inspection and adaptation with time to have a better understanding of what to do when you are constantly in a “black hole.” I found that the point of coming out from a “black hole” and taking action is knowing ourselves with time more and more…

Here are my eight categories and brief descriptions:

Emotional Well-being Check:

• Identify specific emotions you experienced during the sprint, considering both work-related situations and personal aspects. How did these emotions contribute to your overall well-being?

Emotional Resilience:

• Think about personal challenges encountered during the sprint and reflect on how well you managed to bounce back emotionally. What personal strategies did you use to navigate setbacks?

Work-Life Balance:

• Evaluate how your work commitments during the sprint influenced your personal life. Reflect on whether you were able to maintain a healthy balance and if any adjustments are needed.

Sleep Quality and Quantity during Sprint:

• Reflect on how your sleep quality and quantity affected your overall mood and energy levels during the sprint. Did it impact your ability to handle challenges both at work and personally?

Feedback Processing:

• Share instances where you received feedback, either at work or in personal relationships. How did you process this feedback, and did it lead to any personal growth or changes in your approach?

Stress Management:

• Identify sources of stress in both your personal and professional life during the sprint. Reflect on how you coped with stress and whether certain techniques were more effective for you.

Mental Health Support Network:

• Reflect on the strength and utilization of your support network, considering at first place another Scrum Master, mentors or similiar. Did you actively seek help or share your challenges with others during the sprint?

Emotional Intelligence:

• Consider how well you understood and managed your own emotions, as well as those of people around you. Reflect on instances where emotional intelligence played a role in your interactions.

At the end here is my personal Template for the Introspective Event.