Description of this workshop

Inspired by the eponymous saga, the Shrek Retrospective is a retrospective format that is both comprehensive and fun while remaining relatively classic in its content.

The proposed template is quite exhaustive since it includes an ice breaker, a review of the continuous improvement actions carried out during the previous sprint, a discussion on the sprint that has just ended - the sprint retrospective as such –, a vote of confidence on the upcoming sprint's objectives and a ROTI.

The Shrek Retrospective is an ideal format for a team new to agility or, on the contrary, a seasoned team wanting a fun but constructive time.

How to run the Shrek Retrospective

This workshop takes place in 6 steps:

Step 1: Icebreaker

The first step consists of an ice breaker during which the participants select and comment, among the images proposed, the one that best reflects their current living place or the one in which they project themselves.

Step 2: Assessment of past improvement actions

In the second step, the participants assess the completion and the impact of improvement actions that had been decided during the previous sprint's retrospective ceremony. Those responsible for these actions have the opportunity to explain what they have done and what it has or will change for the team.

Step 3: Sharing feelings about the sprint

Participants share their general feeling about the sprint that has just ended. They have the choice between 4 proposals: "Super cool," "Nice," "Ok," "It sucks," and "Never again!".

To do this, participants can add their names on a sticky next to the corresponding Shrek face, which illustrates their feeling.

Step 4: Reflexion about the sprint

In this step, the participants reflect on the sprint that has just ended. They should think according to 3 axes:

  • The problems and blockages encountered;
  • The thanks they want to give to their team members and what they appreciated during the sprint;
  • Any ideas they might have to improve the team's organization and efficiency.

You can provide the participants with 5 to 10 minutes to reflect on their own, then reveal their contributions to each topic.

Step 5: Confidence vote on the next sprint

The fifth step is a vote of confidence in which participants rate the team's ability to complete the coming sprint backlog. Participants place their confidence on a scale that ranges from 1 to 5.

Step 6: ROTI

The sixth step is a ROTI (Return on Time Invested), whose purpose is to collect feedback from participants regarding the perceived workshop's effectiveness.