Hi there,
A retro is coming! It’s just around the corner!
Last week, we explored how to crush it as the best retro facilitator around.
We know you’re getting amped. 🚀
Today, it’s all about getting the rest of the team just as excited as we you are.
Who is ready to optimize our learnings going into 2025?!
⚡ Supercharge of the Week
Remote Octopus recommends that the retro facilitator lays a strong foundation within the team to emphasize the importance (and excitement for!) the retro ahead.
Once you’ve identified your need for a retro and identified the facilitator (is it you?), now it’s time to get the team officially on board.
It is important to loop in everyone on the team about the upcoming retro we’re pulling together – this might be the project team or your general team of colleagues. Whoever is going to be attending the retro itself.
You know your colleagues best. Consider if you’ll share this information and excitement on a virtual call or asynchronously through a tool like Slack.
If this is the team’s first retro, Remote Octopus recommends launching it on a virtual call. Allow time for questions and document any feedback in the team agenda.
During the launch discussion, emphasize:
WIIFM – or What’s in it for me? – to ensure everyone understands how this retro will positively impact their work.
We as a strategy to highlight the impact on the team and the company – instead of highlighting the impact only on you personally as the facilitator.
Your excitement! It can drive positive emotional contagion.
Additional details to share with the team:
Which project or team is the focus
Approximate date
The facilitator (you!)
The general retro format
Where the retro template and notes will live
How we will share the team’s action items and learnings
How any accessibility needs will be accommodated
Note: These recommendations assume that adding in a retro will be a small change for the team. Depending on company and team culture, if adding in a retro is a larger change, ensure you incorporate best practices in change management when rolling out this new process.
🚨 Someone on your team will inevitably ask if attending the retro is required. If not during the first retro you run then the question will bubble up at some point in your retro-running career.
Typically, retros are not required. It is an optional forum to drive continuous improvement.
But for many people, retros can feel scary because they often include various levels of staff such as managers or supervisors. Psychological safety is incredibly important to the success of a retro.
If someone asks about if the retro is required, you might:
Notice & Acknowledge Emotions: Retros can be challenging because there are so many voices in the room. The goal is to create a psychologically safe space for everyone to contribute in order to drive continuous improvement.
Emphasize Accessibility & Inclusivity: Encourage the person to chat with your 1:1 if they have any additional accessibility options that would support their participation.
🚀 Next up… facilitating the retro itself! That’s for next week – the final week in our series on how to lead an awesome retro.
🐙 Remote Octopus Resources
Ready to level up operational excellence for your team? Check out our resources:
