How to run a retrospective
The output of a retrospective is a change, not a discussion. Structure the session around producing one or two things you can check next time.
What matters here
- Set the scope and keep it small
- Collect observations before discussing
- Group them and pick one theme
- Agree one or two concrete changes
- Assign an owner and review next time
Writing before talking
Five minutes of silent writing gets more honest input than an open discussion, where the loudest person sets the frame. It also stops the first comment from becoming the agenda.
One theme
A retro that tries to fix six things fixes none. Pick the theme with the most energy and the most evidence, and leave the rest for next time.
Changes with owners
A change is something you can check: a new step in the process, a timebox, a different meeting. Write it down, name a person, and open the next retro by asking whether it happened.
Frequently asked questions
Keep reading
- How to plan a fitness routineA fitness routine should be small enough to keep on a bad week. The plan that survives is the one you can do when you are tired and short of time.
- What is a task?A task is a single unit of work with a clear finish line, small enough that you can start it without planning first.
- What is a workspace?A workspace is the container that holds your notes, tasks and settings, usually separating one context or team from another.
Turn talk into a plan
Capture a thought in plain language and let Prysm Note shape it into tasks and a timeline.
Disclaimer
This page is general information, not professional, legal, financial or medical advice. It describes common ways of working and how Prysm Note approaches them. Software changes over time, so details may differ from what you see in the product. Any product, company or brand names that appear are the property of their respective owners and are used only for identification. We do not claim any endorsement or affiliation. Where we compare approaches, we aim to describe each one honestly, including where a different approach may suit you better. Try the tools that matter to you and judge for yourself.