Step 1: Set the stage

Welcome everyone and establish the rules of engagement:

• Embrace a positive attitude of continuous improvement and share whatever you think will help the team improve.

• Don't make it personal, don't take it personally.

• Listen with an open mind, and remember that everyone's experience is valid.

• Clarify the scope of your discussion – is it the workshop that was delivered with the client? That last sprint? The last week? Since the project started? Be clear how far back you're going to go.

• Encourage the team to embrace a learning mindset, stay away from blaming & shaming.

Step 2: What worked well?

• Start the session on a positive note.

• Have each team member use sticky notes to write down what they feel worked well (one idea per sticky).

• Cluster similar or duplicate ideas together.

• Discuss your ideas briefly as a team.

Step 3: What could be improved?

• Have each team member use sticky notes to write down what they feel could be improved (one idea per sticky).

• Cluster similar or duplicate ideas together.

• Discuss your ideas briefly as a team.

• Remind your team that this is about actions and outcomes – not about specific people.

Step 4: Action Items/Next steps

• Having identified what could be improved, what concrete actions can the team take to improve those things?

• Place ideas on the board, group them and then discuss as a team.