By Kelly McKenzie
So, Agile Retrospectives. Sounds technical, maybe even intimidating, right? At their core, retrospectives are just your team sitting down to have a chat about how things are going. You talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next. It’s a time to spill, to reflect, and (hopefully) to grow.
Here’s the thing: you can call them whatever you like. The magic of retrospectives isn’t in the name, it’s in the idea of regularly taking time to look back, learn, and tweak. You know those annoying mistakes that keep happening? Or that brilliant thing your team did but no one ever acknowledged? Retrospectives fix that. They give your team a structure to pat each other on the back (or maybe throw some playful shade) and then move on better.
What Actually Happens in a Retrospective?
It’s simple. Picture this: your team sits down after a project (or sprint, or whatever) and talks through what went well, what didn’t, and what you’re going to do about it. No vague "let's do better next time" platitudes, just real, actionable steps.
Retrospectives aren't just for tech teams, either. If you’re breathing and working, you can use this.
Why Should You Bother?
Let’s keep it real: skipping retrospectives is like trying to run a marathon without stopping for water. You’ll make it, but it won’t be pretty. Retrospectives are your team’s way of staying hydrated—reflecting, learning, and improving bit by bit, without the drama of a massive blow-up when things finally go wrong.
They Keep You Growing. You know that awkward moment when no one wants to admit that things didn’t go well? Yeah, retrospectives give you permission to say it - out loud. And instead of that being a bad thing, it’s the thing that helps your team actually grow. You pick out the good, toss the bad, and get better with each cycle.
They Build Bonds. Retrospectives aren’t just a work hack, they’re a team hack. There’s something really powerful about sharing not only the facts but also how everyone feels about the work. It’s vulnerability, sure, but just enough of it to make the team bond tighter. And when teams trust each other, they tackle problems head-on. No need to tiptoe around issues.
Conflict? Handled. Speaking of problems, retrospectives are also where conflict gets defused before it turns into drama. You know that silent tension that no one talks about but everyone feels? Retrospectives provide a structured space to clear the air in a healthy way. It's all about surfacing issues, not letting them simmer.
Not an Agile Expert? Doesn’t Matter.
Okay, so maybe you’re not deep in the world of sprints and iterations. Does that mean retrospectives aren’t for you? Nope. In fact, if you’ve never done one, now is a great time to start. You don’t need any special tools or processes. Just get your team in a room (or a virtual room), ask what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next. Boom—retrospective.
Even if you’re not running on an Agile framework, the principle still applies: reflection leads to growth. This is about making your team better, one conversation at a time. And once you see the impact of regular retrospectives, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Best Practices (That Aren’t Boring)
Mix it Up. Your team isn’t going to love retrospectives if they’re the same every time. Get creative - use different formats like “Start, Stop, Continue” or a “Sailboat” theme. Keep things fresh and your team engaged.
Get Real Action Items. Don’t let the conversation end at complaints or praise. Make sure every session ends with a real, actionable list of things to improve or try next time. Then hold people accountable (kindly).
Keep it Regular. Don’t wait until the wheels fall off to run a retrospective. Make them a regular thing. By keeping them consistent, your team will get used to the rhythm of reflecting, adjusting, and moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Agile Retrospectives are the secret sauce to a healthier, happier, and more effective team. They’re not just meetings, they’re check-ins on how your team is functioning, both practically and emotionally. Done right, they turn teams into tight-knit, high-performing units that aren’t afraid to face challenges head-on.
So whether you’re all-in on Agile or just looking for a way to make your team better, give retrospectives a try. You might be surprised at how a little bit of structured reflection can drive serious growth.
That’s it. Simple, effective, and just a little bit game-changing. Want help making retrospectives a regular part of your work? Email Runie Consulting or book an Agile Retrospective on our Services Page. We’ll make sure you’re getting the most out of your team, without the buzzwords.