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Tips for Improving Your Scrum Retrospectives


Are you struggling to get the most out of your Scrum retrospectives? Do they often devolve into blame games and unproductive discussions?


Person reaching out to the goal
Tunnel vision

Fear not! Here are 5 tips for improving your retrospectives and making them a valuable tool for continuous improvement.


  1. Emphasize Root Cause Analysis: Rather than playing the blame game, focus on identifying the root cause of issues. This will help you avoid the same problems in the future and create a more productive atmosphere.

  2. Use the ABCs of Behavior: The ABCs (antecedent, behavior, and consequence) provide a practical framework for understanding why certain behaviors occur. Tie this approach back to the actual Scrum events to make it more applicable to retrospectives.

  3. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for team members to share their thoughts and feelings. Encourage everyone to participate and listen without judgment.

  4. Set Clear Goals: Make sure everyone knows the purpose of the retrospective and what you hope to accomplish. This will help keep discussions on track and ensure that you're making progress.

  5. Follow Through: Don't let the ideas generated during the retrospective go to waste. Follow through on action items and make sure everyone is held accountable for their part in the process.


By following these tips, you can turn your retrospectives into a valuable tool for continuous improvement. Remember to stay healthy, well, and agile!

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Connect with host - V. Lee Henson

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