Retrospective fundamentals

The retrospective creates space for teams to reflect on their work process and identify improvements. Unlike other ceremonies focused on the product, retrospectives examine how the team works together, including their practices, relationships, tools, and environment. Effective retrospectives follow a consistent structure:

• Setting the stage: creating psychological safety
• Gathering data: collecting observations
• Generating insights: finding patterns
• Deciding what to do: creating action items
• Closing: acknowledging participation

Within this structure, facilitators can use various formats to address specific team needs. Common formats include:

• Start-Stop-Continue: what should we begin doing, cease doing, or maintain
• 4Ls: Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For
• Sailboat: winds pushing us forward, anchors holding us back
• Mad-Sad-Glad: emotional responses to the sprint

Each format brings out different perspectives and works best in particular situations. Psychological safety, the belief that one can speak up without punishment or humiliation, forms the foundation of productive retrospectives. Teams must separate problems from people, focus on improvement rather than blame, and acknowledge both successes and failures honestly. The Prime Directive, which assumes everyone did their best given the circumstances, helps establish this mindset.