Rate of Improvement Retrospective

Rate of Improvement retrospective format

Highest ROI

In which areas did we have the highest ROI?

This topic explores where the team made the most efficient progress over the past iteration or period. Facilitators should encourage specific examples and data points to substantiate claims of high ROI. Understanding these accelerators provides insights into successful strategies that can be amplified.

Lowest ROI

In which areas did we have the lowest ROI?

This topic identifies the areas where efforts did not translate into meaningful progress or improvement. Facilitators should probe for root causes behind low ROI and explore potential remedies. This creates awareness of bottlenecks and inefficiencies that require intervention.

Potential ROI

Where can we improve our ROI?

This forward-looking topic prompts the team to identify opportunities to increase their rate of improvement. Facilitators should encourage creative ideas backed by team insights. Developing an action plan around these opportunities will accelerate future progress.

When to use this retrospective

• When the team feels their progress has stagnated or slowed in certain areas.
• After a major project or initiative to assess the efficiency of efforts.
• Periodically to ensure continuous improvement and identify growth opportunities.
• When a shift in strategy or priorities requires realigning the team's rate of change.

Suggested icebreaker questions

• If our team was a vehicle, what would it be and why?
• What's one new skill you've developed recently that boosted your productivity?

Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting

• Use quantitative metrics like cycle times, throughput, and escaped defects to substantiate claims of high or low ROI.
• Avoid conflating high effort with low ROI - sometimes tackling complex challenges requires more investment.
• Ensure psychological safety so the team feels comfortable surfacing areas of suboptimal progress.
• Build accountability by converting potential ROI ideas into concrete action items with owners.
• Consider this a supplement to other retrospective formats focused on processes, teamwork, or technical practices.