I love well-planned Retrospective meetings, especially ones that are creative and fun. In my past Retros, I have utilized improv exercises, funny GIFs, and even Legos to create a relaxed atmosphere where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves. While a well-planned Retrospective agenda may seem great in theory, it can sometimes deter team members from fully engaging in Scrum ceremonies and even lead them to question the purpose of the Retro itself. If you find that your Retrospective meetings are not yielding open discussions, consider trying a meeting without a structured agenda. Starting with engaging dialogue can help align the team with the purpose of the Retrospective meeting.

What is the purpose of the Retrospective meeting?

The purpose of the Retrospective meeting is for the Scrum Team to identify their major challenges and commit to resolving them in the upcoming Sprint. But don't just take my word for it; Jeff Sutherland, one of the founders of Scrum, explains the purpose of the Retrospective in this video.

How to Kick Off Your Agenda-Free Retro

To start your Retrospective meeting, announce that there will be no agenda. Expect some puzzled looks and concerns about deviating from the tenets of the Scrum framework. Address these concerns by emphasizing the need for increased honesty within the team. Highlight the importance of overcoming common fears, such as being honest about the organization, the team, and themselves. Once trust is established, gradually introduce Retrospective items for discussion within the team.

Can this really work?

This approach has yielded remarkable results with two distinct teams: one experienced in Scrum practices and another still familiarizing themselves with Scrum. What I have discovered is that a meticulously planned Retrospective agenda can sometimes hinder genuine conversations, which are vital in all types of organizations.