1. Why retrospectives are important
Success is not only achieved through planning and action, but also through reflection.
The retrospective makes it possible to regularly pause, evaluate experiences, and learn from them.
This way, development is not left to chance, but is systematically managed.
2. Basics & Explanation
- Definition: Retrospective = structured review of a defined period or a project.
- Goals:
- Make successes visible
- Identify mistakes and obstacles
- Derive improvements for the future
- Bestforming logic: Retrospective is a fixed part of the AS-IS–TO-BE cycle.
- Typical guiding questions:
- What went well?
- What did not go well?
- What do I want to do differently in the future?
3. Challenges & Risks
- Lack of honesty: Problems are glossed over.
- No consequences: Insights are not implemented.
- Irregularity: Retrospectives lose their impact if they only take place sporadically.
- Criticism focus: Only looking at mistakes instead of also at successes.
4. Tips & First Steps
- Set intervals: Schedule short retrospectives weekly or monthly.
- Document in writing: Record insights and to-dos.
- Find balance: Celebrate successes AND analyze challenges.
- Derive concrete actions: Every retrospective should lead to at least one next step.
- Use feedback: Exchange with partners, team, or coach increases the impact.
5. Your next step
Get the bestforming app and receive:
- Guided retrospectives with guiding questions
- Documentation of your learnings and progress
- Reminders that make reflection a fixed routine
This way, you turn reviews into a real lever for continuous improvement.