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Methodology/Agile methodology3 min

Retrospectives that actually work

How to run short, actionable retrospectives, not empty meetings.

The retrospective is Scrum's most powerful meeting. It's where the team says: What works? What doesn't? What to change?

Quick format (30 min)

TimeActivity
5 minEach member writes 1-2 points in the chat
10 minCommon points are grouped
10 min1-2 concrete actions are decided and added to the backlog
5 minResponsible person and deadline assigned

The 4 classic questions

  1. What worked well? (to repeat it)
  2. What didn't work? (to stop it)
  3. What can we try? (to experiment)
  4. What do we need? (to ask for help)

Common mistakes

  • ❌ Talking about people, not processes
  • ❌ Complaining without proposing solutions
  • ❌ The boss talking 90% of the time
  • ❌ Not defining concrete actions

Use Syncro's chat

You don't need a Zoom meeting. Each member can write their points in the workspace chat. Then the facilitator groups and decides actions.


Tip: Run retrospectives every 2 weeks, within your sprint. If you only do them when there are problems, the team will see them as punishment.

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Put this into practice with your team

Try the practice on a real project, with nothing to set up.

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