1.1 Set the Stage
Setting the stage helps people focus on the work at hand. It reiterates the goal for the time the team has together in the retrospective. And, it contributes to creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable discussing issues.
Start with a simple welcome and appreciation for people’s investment of time. Restate the purpose of the retrospective and the goal for the session. Remind people of how long you’ll meet.
Then ask everyone in the room to speak. When someone doesn’t speak at the beginning of the retrospective, that person has tacit permission to remain silent for the rest of the session. Since the point of the retrospective is to help the group think and learn together, you need everyone’s participation. This isn’t the time for a long dissertation—or even a short one. (Do the math. If each person on a ten-person team spoke for three minutes, you’d spend thirty minutes just on introductions. Even with a five-person team, the time adds up.) Ask for a word or two describing a hope for the retrospective.
Next, outline the approach for the session. Time is precious, and people want to know that their time will be well spent. Knowing the approach helps establish that this won’t be another aimless meeting.
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