Lean Coffee Retro

Time

1+ hour retro for a team of any size

Setup

Based on the concept of Lean Coffee, this retro is one of the few that doesn't require a great deal of preparation.

Have the team send ideas beforehand so you can pre-write ideas if you like, but not necessary.

Notes

Bring post-it notes and marker pens for each team member.

This will typically be a standing retro with the team gathered around the board.

Retro Format

  1. Explain the format of the retro and make sure the team are happy with running the retro this way... if not have a Plan B!
  2. Spend up to 5 mins asking everyone to write one or two items they would like to discuss and stick them on the board.
  3. Read through the items on the board and get everyone to gather around. Explain they may add to these discussion items at the end of each discussion
  4. Vote on which item to discuss as a team. The item with the highest vote will be discussed. If there is a tie, take any of the tied items to discuss first and put the other tied item(s) ready to discuss next.
  5. Start a timer and allow discussion of the item on the post-it. Listen for action points and confirm them during the discussion.
  6. After 10 minutes are up, the team vote to continue the discussion or move on to the next topic. If they continue, then continue for another 5 minutes.. and vote again.
  7. If there were tied items, move on to the next tied item.
  8. If there were no tied items ask if anyone wants to add to the list of items.. then vote again for the next topic of discussion.
  9. Last 5-10 mins:
    • Summarise the action points
    • Open up for any last points people would like to make before the retro is closed