How to run a retrospective

The most common retrospective failure is generating a long list of what could be better and then doing nothing about it. The structure that works is one that limits scope, surfaces root causes, and produces one or two actions with clear owners — not ten vague suggestions.

What's covered

• 1Retrospective format options: the three structures that produce the best outcomes and when to use each
• 2Facilitation guide: how to keep the session constructive and focused on actions rather than complaints
• 3AI synthesis prompt: how to turn retrospective inputs into a prioritised action plan
• 4Follow-through tracking: how to carry retrospective actions into the next cycle without a separate system