At TeamRetro, we know that teams can face a number of challenges in their retrospectives.

This includes working through disagreements and complaints, keeping employees engaged, and ensuring goals aren’t too unrealistic, to name a few.

So when we came across this article by BuiltIn on “How to make sprint retrospectives more actionable,” we had to share!

The best part of this article is the knowledge sharing from scrum masters, Agile directors, through to marketing managers. Each share their tips for running actionable retrospectives.

So let’s check them out.

team retrospectives

Lionel Luchez, Software Engineering Manager
Snapsheet

“As we move through the three phases of the retrospectives, we come up with resolutions, which then become our action items.”

“Phase one is reviewing closed gaps since the last meeting.”

“Phase two is where the meeting becomes an open dialogue.”

“The format of phase three is fairly similar to the previous phase, except that we brainstorm on topics from open questions like recent changes, current projects and any issues we encountered.”

Emily Erdman, Marketing Manager
TopstepTrader

“Our marketing team recently switched over to a “stop, start, continue” [retrospectives] model”

These meetings are designed to understand learnings from the perspective of each team member and identify any ways the leadership team can help them improve.

Eric Voetberg, Program Manager
Outrider

“There are three keys to successful sprint retrospectives. First, provide advance notice of at least one week.”

“Second, collect feedback in a methodical manner by using a standard template.”

“Lastly, check egos at the door. Retros go well when team members are humble, honest and forthcoming.”

Neil Sproul, Director of Agile
Billtrust

“Start with understanding the team and organizational culture, as it will influence how to approach retrospectives. ”

“Leading up to the retrospective, confirm the team’s understanding of the event’s purpose and the format that will be used.”

“During the event, contextualize coaching to the team: ask questions, keep people focused, seek clarification and move the conversation toward possible solutions for the things that surface.”

Share your actionable sprint retrospectives

Have other tips to share on creating actionable sprint retrospectives. Share it with us below.

You can also read the full BuiltIn article here for more in-depth tips and advice.