open · Retrospective, Planning · 5–10 min · 2-40 people · low energy

Retrospective Activity Selection

This method involves using the Retromat website to randomly generate or selectively choose activities for an agile retrospective, ensuring a tailored and engaging session. It helps facilitators discover new techniques and adapt them to their team's specific needs.

When to use Retrospective Activity Selection

Use this method when planning a retrospective to introduce variety, address specific team challenges, or explore new facilitation techniques.

What it solves

Stale retrospectives, lack of engagement, difficulty finding relevant activities.

How to run Retrospective Activity Selection, step by step

  1. Introduce Retromat (2 min). Explain that you'll be using it to select activities for the retrospective.
  2. Demonstrate the site (3 min). Show how to generate a random plan or search for activities by keyword.
  3. Team Input (5 min). Ask the team for specific needs or challenges they want to address in the retrospective and search for activities that align.

Materials needed

  • Internet access
  • Projector or screen sharing
  • Retromat.org website

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage team members to suggest keywords or themes for the retrospective.
  • Be prepared to adapt the chosen activities based on the team's feedback.

Common pitfalls

  • Overwhelming the team with too many options. Limit the number of activities presented.
  • Choosing activities that don't align with the team's needs. Ensure activities are relevant and purposeful.

Variations

  • Allow the team to vote on their preferred activities from a selection generated by Retromat.
  • Use Retromat to find activities for other types of meetings or workshops.

Running it online or hybrid

Share the Retromat.org link and have participants explore options individually before discussing as a group.

What it produces

A curated plan for the retrospective, including chosen activities and their sequence.

Origin

Based on the design of Retromat.org by Corinna Baldauf and Timon Fiddike — source

Build a session around Retrospective Activity Selection

METODIC places Retrospective Activity Selection inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Retrospective Activity Selection · Try METODIC free