team just sat there. Even when the facilitator is spot on (and this one wasn't), the team most likely will reject the facilitator's view. It's like criticizing your brother-in-law; it's fine for your spouse to say his brother drinks too much, but watch out if you say it.
Some retrospective leaders protest that it takes too long for the group to process the data-that it's more efficient for the facilitator to do the job. It may be true that it takes less time for the facilitator to relay her own interpretation of the data to the group, but it's only more effective if the facilitator doesn't care whether the group actually buys into and acts on the interpretation.
5. Test for Agreement
Groups can go on and on discussing issues, mulling over concerns, and answering questions. It's important to have a thorough analysis, and it's also important to come to a decision. So after the team has asked clarifying questions related to a decision, test the agreement.
Testing for agreement isn't the same as making a final decision. Testing for agreement creates a data point and an assessment of how much more discussion is really needed. One way to test for agreement is by using the "Fist of Five." Each person signals her support for a proposal or option by utilizing a six-point scale, which requires no ballot other than the use of your hand. The votes are as follows:
Five fingers = I strongly support
Four fingers = I support with minor reservations
Three fingers = I'll go with the will of the group
Two fingers = I have serious reservations
One finger = I do not support
Fist = I'll block
(I advise against using the middle finger to indicate lack of support.)
If everyone in the group expresses strong agreement (four or five fingers), you know that you need to note reservations and mitigate risks. But the group probably doesn't need a lengthy discussion of the topic. However, if there's only lukewarm support (three fingers), then more discussion is warranted-possibly to identify more favorable alternatives.
If most of the people in the group show three fingers or less, it's time to move to a different option rather than wasting time discussing an option no one wants.
Practice these tips, and pretty soon people will notice that meetings seem to work better when you lead them.
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About the author
A regular StickyMinds.com and Better Software magazine contributor, Esther Derby is one of the rare breed of consultants who blends the technical issues and managerial issues with the people-side issues. She is well known for helping teams grow to new levels of productivity. Project retrospectives and project assessments are two of Esther's key practices that serve as effective tools to start a team's transformation. Recognized as one of the world's leaders in retrospective facilitation, she often receives requests asking her to work with struggling teams. Esther is one of the founders of the AYE Conference. She co-author of Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great. She has presented at STAREAST, STARWEST and the Better Software Conference & EXPO. You can read more of Esther's musings on the wonderful world of software at www.estherderby.com and on her weblog at www.estherderby.com/weblog/blogger.html. Her email is derby@estherderby.com.
