Gosia Smoleńska: Lean Coffee As A Simple and Effective Retrospective Format For Teams Under Pressure

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

Success for Gosia as a Scrum Master is defined by her team’s self-sufficiency. True success is evident when the team operates smoothly without her constant presence, handles conflicts independently, and confidently runs their own meetings. When team members shift from bringing complaints to proposing solutions and only seek occasional feedback, it indicates a mature, autonomous group. We also discuss what behaviors to look out for as a Scrum Master, to ensure that the team is proceeding towards self-sufficiency.

Self-reflection Question: How do you measure the level of autonomy within your team and encourage them to become more self-reliant?

Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Lean Coffee

Gosia recommends Lean Coffee as a favorite retrospective format due to its simplicity and relaxed structure. This format’s timeboxed, formulaic approach allows discussions to flow naturally without the pressure to cover every topic. It’s particularly effective for fast-paced environments where teams need structured, yet laid-back, sessions to share their thoughts.

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About Gosia Smoleńska Gosia started in IT in 2013 as a manual tester, later moving into QA, project management, and becoming a Scrum Master. Passionate about agile practices, she supports start-ups in nurturing agile cultures and holds certifications including Professional Kanban Trainer.

You can link with Gosia Smoleńska on LinkedIn.