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Team Retrospective

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Running regular retrospectives helps your team improve, stay connected, and keep learning. It’s always useful, but even more so when you're working remotely or in a hybrid setup.


A retrospective (or “retro”) is simply a meeting where the team takes a step back to reflect. What went well? What could have gone better? And what do we want to do differently next time?


You can run a retro at the end of a project, sprint, event, or even just a busy week.


Number of participants: 2-10

Time needed: Between 30 - 60 minutes

Materials: A whiteboard (physical or digital), sticky notes or digital equivalents and space for honest, open conversation



Step 1: Set the Scene


Before you dive in, give people a moment to settle. Then explain what the session is for: learning and improving together.


Agree some simple ground rules:


  • Keep things constructive - this is about learning, not blaming.

  • Talk about behaviours and outcomes, not individuals.

  • Everyone’s experience is valid - listen with curiosity, not judgement.

  • Be clear on the scope. Are we looking back at the last sprint? The whole project? Just last week?


Encourage a mindset of learning and progress over perfection.



Step 2: What Went Well?


Start positive.


Ask everyone to jot down what they think went well. One idea per sticky.

Once that’s done:


  • Group similar points together on the board.

  • Talk through them briefly as a team.

  • Celebrate small wins.



Step 3: What Could Be Better?


Now shift the focus to improvement.


Ask everyone to write down what could’ve gone better. Again, one point per sticky.

Then:


  • Group and cluster similar points.

  • Discuss them as a team.

  • Keep it action-focused - this is about what happened, not who did it.



Step 4: What Will We Do Next?


Pick out the things that are within your control to change.


Come up with a list of actions the team can take - small tweaks or bigger shifts. Agree who’ll do what, and by when. Try using a simple Who / What / When format to keep things clear and accountable.


Download your Retrospective Board Template:

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