The Agile methodology can be applied to complex situations, where to envision and build solutions we must iterate and adapt constantly. These two actions (iteration and adaptation) do not only apply to the development of new software products, but also to how we approach every process and service we provide at Dura Digital. We try, learn, and iterate constantly, using our learnings to continuously improve and innovate. That is why after every project and engagement we drive for our clients, we make sure we always conduct the scrum event called retrospective.  

Retrospectives are at the heart of continuous improvement. In this instance, we look for strengths as well as opportunities for growth, where all members of the team participate to have a candid discussion that will help us improve. 

The key is to build a space where everyone feels safe and free to share their thoughts without fear or hesitation. At Dura Digital, team members are encouraged to be vocal and critical thinkers who are not afraid to express and share their opinions. This is crucial to innovate and better serve our clients. We openly share our best ideas, and this freedom goes hand in hand with the mutual respect we have for each other, a core value of our culture. 

Another critical factor for the success of retrospectives is that everyone in the team participates and is willing to contribute to the discussion. To accomplish this participation, it is critical to create spaces outside of the routine that motivate individuals to participate and share. When our clients are active members of a project team, we invite them to participate as well because their feedback and insights into the work are key to the success of our engagements.  

Tactically, how do we prepare and facilitate a retrospective? Each retrospective is different depending on the type and size of the project. That being said, most retrospectives are structured into five sections, which is a model that has worked for us in the past.

• Setting the stage: in this first phase, each member of the team shares their overall experience on the project and what they are hoping to achieve with the retrospective. In general, we use short ice-breaker activities that help make everyone comfortable and open the conversation. 
  
• Collecting data: we go over the last “sprint” or timeframe of work and collect data related to the key milestones accomplished and any aspect of the project that is worth highlighting. This is done in a positive way, identifying those elements that were highlights as well as those that were lowlights of the project. We ask questions like “what should we keep doing?”, “what should we stop doing?”, “what should we start doing?” so that the focus is on the work and what we could do better, not on the individuals that did the work. 
  
• Going deep into the data: In this phase, we allocate time to the high-priority areas for growth that have been identified; we talk about what happened, how it impacted the team and the value provided to our client, and how we could improve. 
  
• Planning: This is where reflecting on the past gives space to planning for the future. This phase is an opportunity to go over the things that should change and discuss how to make that change a reality. This includes conversations about how to implement the improvements and designate owners for the implementation. 
  
• Closure: we always finish retrospectives on a positive note, going back to the “why we are here” question. Our goal is to constantly improve, meaning we can serve our clients better every day. We take a few minutes to evaluate the success (or not) of the project retrospective and discuss what tweaks are needed for the next one.  
  

What is the Value that a Retrospective Brings?

When executed correctly, retrospectives provide a structured opportunity for team members to reflect on their work and identify areas for improvement, which leads to better team collaboration, communication, and more efficient processes. Additionally, it helps foster a culture of improvement and continuous learning, which improves both job satisfaction and delivery outcomes.

Retrospectives are not only an opportunity to exchange ideas and to reflect but also to identify what needs to be addressed and plan to make the change happen. There will be positive elements that we want to continue bringing to our work and we will also identify elements that could be improved or eliminated altogether. 

At Dura Digital we promote and encourage these opportunities to exchange ideas respectfully and productively so that as our team continues to grow, we build bonds between all members of our team, and provide the most value to the organizations we serve. If you want to learn more about our team and how they can help your organization, please contact us today.