Esther Derby and David Horowitz discuss agile retrospectives, focusing on data collection, shared mental models, and navigating team retrospectives in different environments. They highlight the evolution of remote formats, facilitation skills, and the importance of objective and subjective data for productive discussions.
Facilitation skills are becoming more important in agile retrospectives, with a focus on using data to enhance discussions.
Remote and hybrid teams face unique challenges in conducting effective retrospectives, requiring tools for collaboration and shared mental models.
Deep dives
Evolution of Agile and Facilitation Skills
Agile practices, including remote retrospectives, have become more prevalent, with a shift towards valuing facilitation skills. The adoption of agile methodologies as a standard in workplaces has increased, necessitating a rise in facilitation competency. This evolution in the agile landscape has elevated the importance of data-driven retrospectives to extract meaningful insights before, during, and after the retrospective sessions.
Incorporating Data into Retrospectives
A key focus of modern retrospectives involves integrating data to enhance the depth and accuracy of discussions. Teams are advised to identify and collect relevant data points aligned with their retrospective focus, such as defect patterns or technical practice assessments. Utilizing diverse data sources, whether objective or subjective, enables teams to ground their retrospective discussions in empirical evidence, fostering deeper insights and informed decision-making.
Challenges and Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Teams
Remote and hybrid teams face unique challenges in conducting effective retrospectives due to diverse perspectives and communication dynamics. Overcoming issues of shared context and physical proximity aids in fostering productive retrospectives. Leveraging tools for remote collaboration, creating shared mental models, and implementing retrospective radiators help bridge communication gaps and ensure inclusive participation, enhancing the overall effectiveness of hybrid retrospectives.
This is the Engineering Culture Podcast, from the people behind InfoQ.com and the QCon conferences.
In this podcast Shane Hastie, Lead Editor for Culture & Methods spoke to Esther Derby and David Horowitz about the second edition of the Agile Retrospectives book.
Read a transcript of this interview: https://bit.ly/3WGRQkg
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