Retrospektifs

Retrospektifs, often shortened to retros, are structured meetings held at the end of a project or at regular intervals during a project to reflect on what has happened. The primary goal is to identify what went well, what could have been improved, and what actions can be taken to make future projects or iterations more successful. This practice is a core component of many agile methodologies, such as Scrum, where they are typically held at the end of each sprint.

The format of a retrospektif can vary, but common elements include establishing a set of ground rules, such as creating a safe space for open and honest feedback. Participants then share their experiences, often categorizing them into positive aspects, challenges or areas for improvement, and potential solutions or action items. The facilitator guides the discussion, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to contribute and that the conversation remains focused.

Key outcomes of a retrospektif are actionable insights and commitments to change. The team collectively decides on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) actions that will be implemented in the next project cycle or iteration. These actions are then tracked to ensure progress and to evaluate their effectiveness in subsequent retrospektifs. The continuous improvement cycle fostered by retrospektifs is seen as crucial for team development, process optimization, and ultimately, enhanced project outcomes.