Round Table

Time

5-15 mins per team member, plus around 15 mins

Note that for teams of more than 8 members, this retro may not be time effective.

Setup

No setup required, just bring a pad and pen

Notes

In this retro the SM will ask each team member how the sprint went for them.

You will typically want the person to speak without interruption from other team members.

If another team member would like to add to the speaker's commentary, then use your judgement to ensure this would only be collaborative additions. Do not allow challenges or disagreements during the individual commentary. These can be deferred to the group discussion once everyone has had their turn to talk.

Based on the principle that everyone wants to be heard, and having the feeling that you're being heard is both motivating and will help to diffuse tension around frustrations.

Based on how much time you have, and how many team members there are, decide on how long each person has to talk as well as how long at the end for group discussion.

Retro Format

  1. The team sit down and the SM explains the format of the retro: "Each individual will be asked how the sprint was for them. The rest of the team should listen to the speaker and remain quiet. There will be the opportunity for group discussion after everyone has spoken."
  2. Ask the first team member to tell you how the sprint was for them.
  3. Actively listen to the speaker. Use active listening prompts like: "and what else?", "how did that make you feel?"
  4. Identify possible actions for the team from comments raised and ask the speaker if that's a possible team action
  5. Once their time is up, or they have run out of things to say, thank the speaker and move to the next person, inviting them to tell you how the sprint was for them. etc.. until all team members have spoken
  6. If another person wants to add to the speaker's commentary use your judgement on whether the addition is helpful. For the first time you use this retro for a team, I suggest you simply don't allow others to talk and instead defer their comments to the group discussion at the end
  7. Once everyone has spoken, open up the group discussion by inviting the team to add to what they've heard.
  8. Keep an ear out for things that sound like action items for the team and confirm if they wish to take on these actions.. remember all actions should have an owner.. even if the owner is the entire team
  9. Close by thanking everyone and reiterating the actions they've agreed and who owns each