Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

The Power of Constructive Feedback in Building Trust in Agile Teams | Carmen Jurado

May 1, 2025

Carmen Jurado, an Agile coach and innovator in gamified retrospectives, dives deep into the value of constructive feedback and vulnerability in Agile teams. She shares a story about transforming potential blame into trust through open discussions after a mistake led to a project delay. Carmen emphasizes that accountability is a team responsibility, not just the Scrum Master’s. Additionally, she introduces the 'Golden Apples' retrospective format, blending creativity and engagement to enhance team reflections.

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ADVICE

Gamify Retrospectives Creatively

Use gamified retrospective formats like "Golden Apples" to maintain team engagement and boost morale.
Reserve such creative retrospectives for festive times to add fun while focusing on core review goals.

ANECDOTE

Vulnerability Builds Team Trust

A team member named Mike made a mistake causing a significant project delay, sparking complaints among teammates.
An open discussion where Mike admitted his mistake fostered trust and encouraged constructive feedback within the team.

INSIGHT

Psychological Safety Defines Success

Success as a Scrum Master comes when the team feels safe enough to be vulnerable about mistakes.
Psychological safety surpasses just giving positive feedback; it involves open dialogue on conflicts and errors.

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Carmen Jurado: The Power of Constructive Feedback in Building Trust in Agile Teams

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

Carmen identifies the hallmark of a successful team as one that allows itself to be vulnerable. Success isn't just about positive feedback but creating an environment where team members feel safe to discuss mistakes openly. She shares an experience where a team member made an error that caused a significant project delay, prompting other team members to complain. Instead of allowing this to create division, Carmen facilitated an open discussion where the team member acknowledged their mistake and received constructive feedback from colleagues. This exchange built trust and demonstrated that the team had developed the psychological safety needed to hold each other accountable. Carmen emphasizes that this accountability for work and agreements is a responsibility that belongs to the entire team, not just the Scrum Master.

Self-reflection Question: How can you foster greater psychological safety in your team so members feel comfortable addressing mistakes directly with each other?

Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Golden Apples

Carmen recommends the "Golden Apples" retrospective format, which draws inspiration from Greek mythology. This creative format incorporates feedback questions about sprints and the team, with game elements that introduce friendly competition. Carmen typically reserves this format for festive times of the year to boost team morale. She also mentions her fondness for movie-themed retrospectives and encourages Scrum Masters to invest time in creating fun, creative retrospective experiences that engage the team.

In this segment, we refer to Norm Kerth’s Retrospective Prime Directive.

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About Carmen Jurado

Carmen describes herself as an "agile storyteller" and has spoken at multiple agile conferences, covering topics such as psychological safety and imposter syndrome. Known for her enthusiasm and creativity, Carmen enjoys designing her own gamified retrospectives. She is an agile coach and business agility trainer, and is also active in the non-profit organization Women in Agile.

You can link with Carmen on LinkedIn.