Welcome Readers

Here you'll find insightful articles, tips, and templates on agile coaching and visual thinking techniques, all designed to help you succeed. Whether you're looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices, gain insights from thought leaders in your industry, or simply expand your knowledge, my blog has something for everyone.

Visual Thinking, Facilitation, and Retrospective Masterclass at HM Land Registry
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Visual Thinking, Facilitation, and Retrospective Masterclass at HM Land Registry

The masterclass at HM Land Registry was a rewarding experience, both for the participants and for myself as a facilitator. By embracing Visual Thinking, Liberating Structures, and effective retrospectives, teams can unlock their full potential and drive continuous improvement. I look forward to seeing how the participants will apply these skills in their work and the positive impact it will have on their teams and projects.

Read More
Navigating Team Success: The Iceberg Retro Expedition
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Navigating Team Success: The Iceberg Retro Expedition

Dive into the fascinating world of teamwork with our Iceberg Retro Poster, a tool designed to uncover the essence of collaboration. Beyond the obvious, it unveils hidden gems, success strategies, and approaches to tackle challenges. Join us in this exploration, delving into each metaphorical element – from lifebuoys to submarines – and discover how they hold the keys to building a resilient and successful team. Are you prepared to set sail on the journey to success? Let's navigate these waters together!

Read More
The Simpsons Halloween Special Retrospective: A Spooky Review
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

The Simpsons Halloween Special Retrospective: A Spooky Review

Have you ever wondered how to make your team's retrospective meetings more exciting and engaging? Well, we've got a treat for you! In this blog post, we're taking a deep dive into the world of The Simpsons Halloween Special Retrospective.

No need to worry about complicated jargon or elaborate terminology – we're keeping it simple and fun. So, grab your favorite Halloween candy and join us as we explore a unique and entertaining approach to retrospectives.

From setting the stage with a simple icebreaker to generating insights that can transform your team's performance, this retrospective method is all about making your meetings more productive and enjoyable. Stay tuned as we reveal the tricks and treats of this spooktacular adventure in team improvement. 🎃👻

Read More
Look Back, Look Forward: The Hot Air Balloon Retro
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Look Back, Look Forward: The Hot Air Balloon Retro

When it comes to Agile retrospectives, it's easy to get stuck in a routine. But what if we told you there's a fun and insightful way to spice things up? Enter the Hot Air Balloon Retro! Imagine your team floating in a hot air balloon, basking in the sunshine, and then think about how that flight parallels your team's journey. It's a simple yet powerful way to reflect on your past and look ahead to the future. Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover how this creative approach can take your retrospectives to new heights! 🎈✨

Read More
Spice Up Your Agile Workshop: A Saville Heat Pepper Scale Icebreaker
Visual Thinking, Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Visual Thinking, Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Spice Up Your Agile Workshop: A Saville Heat Pepper Scale Icebreaker

Feeling the heat in your Agile workshop? 🌶️ London's not the only place with sizzling temperatures! Try this fun icebreaker with the Saville Heat Pepper Scale. It's as easy as 1-2-3:

  • Explain the spice scale (1=mild, 10=hot).

  • Let participants pick a number.

  • Connect that heat level to an Agile topic.

  • Discover hot Agile topics, get conversations flowing, and keep things spicy! 🔥

Discover hot Agile topics, get conversations flowing, and keep things spicy!

Read More
Leveling Up Your Agile Retrospectives with a Dash of Mario Kart Magic
Retrospectives, Visual Thinking Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives, Visual Thinking Steven Sampson-Jones

Leveling Up Your Agile Retrospectives with a Dash of Mario Kart Magic

Just like in the exhilarating world of Mario Kart, where racers navigate treacherous courses filled with banana peels, lightning-fast stars, and the occasional blue shell, your Agile team can apply the same spirit of adventure, competition, and fun to your retrospectives.

Here's a sneak peek into this exciting approach:

  • Banana Skins: In Mario Kart, banana skins represent unexpected obstacles. In your retrospective, identify these impediments and strategise on how to navigate them.

  • Blue Shell: The blue shell clears the path for racers. Likewise, in Agile, what path do you need to clear for your next iteration's success?

  • Star: The Star in Mario Kart is a turbo boost, propelling you forward at lightning speed. How can you maximize your velocity in the next iteration?

  • Fake Power Up: Not every power-up is beneficial. In Agile, we can be lured by false benefits. Recognize these distractions and stay on course.

  • Bowser (Last Place): Bowser symbolizes lagging progress. What's causing your team to fall behind, and how can you disrupt this pattern?

  • Mario (1st Place): Celebrate success! Identify your iteration champions and give credit where it's due.

Get ready to inject some Mario Kart magic into your retrospectives and watch your team's engagement and problem-solving abilities skyrocket.

Read More
A Sweet Confectionery Retrospective: Reflecting on Team Success
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

A Sweet Confectionery Retrospective: Reflecting on Team Success

Discover a sweet and creative approach to retrospectives in our confectionery-inspired blog post. From the irresistible energy of "once you pop you can't stop" to navigating the crunch times like a perfectly baked pretzel, we explore valuable lessons learned and growth opportunities. Join us as we infuse retrospectives with fun and reflection, adding a sprinkle of sweetness to team success and continuous improvement.

Read More
Dragon Ball Z Retrospective: Nostalgia, Memories, and a Wish Granted by Shenron
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Dragon Ball Z Retrospective: Nostalgia, Memories, and a Wish Granted by Shenron

Agile retrospective meetings are a valuable tool for teams to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and plan for the future. And what better way to conduct a retrospective than by drawing inspiration from Dragon Ball Z?

In this agile retrospective, we'll choose our fighter from four iconic characters: Vegeta, Goku, Frieza, and Android 18. We'll use bespoke hand-drawn Dragon Balls for dot voting to select the most memorable moments from our recent projects, and reflect on how we can apply the lessons learned to future sprints.

As we discuss our successes and failures, we'll take a cue from the friendship between Goku and Vegeta and focus on how we can work together as a team to achieve our goals. We'll also look at the threats we faced, such as tight deadlines or unexpected obstacles, and how we overcame them using our agile methodology.

Finally, we'll channel the power of the Dragon Balls to make a wish for our future success as a team. Just like how Shenron granted the wishes of the characters in Dragon Ball Z, our retrospective can help us bring our team's goals and aspirations to life.

Read More
The Power of Psychological Safety: Creating a Stronger and More Inclusive Team Culture with a Psychological Safety Canvas
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

The Power of Psychological Safety: Creating a Stronger and More Inclusive Team Culture with a Psychological Safety Canvas

A psychological safety canvas is a visual tool that helps team members identify and discuss important aspects of psychological safety, including their shared values, behaviours, and expectations. This tool can be used to guide discussions around creating a positive and supportive team culture, where all members feel heard, valued, and respected. By using a psychological safety canvas, teams can foster a culture of trust and respect, which can lead to better outcomes for the team as a whole.

Read More
Retrospective Assemble! Reflecting on Your Sprint Through a Marvel-Inspired Lens
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Retrospective Assemble! Reflecting on Your Sprint Through a Marvel-Inspired Lens

Do you ever feel like your sprint retrospectives could use a boost? Maybe you're stuck in a rut, repeating the same old discussions without seeing any real progress. If that sounds familiar, it's time to assemble your team and take a fresh approach to your retrospective. By drawing inspiration from the world of Marvel superheroes, you can inject some excitement and energy into your meetings, and identify new areas for growth and improvement.

In this guide, we'll explore how you can channel the traits of Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Dr. Strange, and Antman to supercharge your sprint retrospectives. From recognising the hard work of your colleagues to becoming more tech-savvy and innovative, each superhero offers unique insights and strategies to help you achieve success in your projects.

So put on your superhero cape and get ready to take your sprint retrospectives to the next level. With a little inspiration from the Marvel universe, you'll be able to identify new opportunities for growth, and create a more productive and successful work environment.

Read More
Harry Potter Retrospective
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Harry Potter Retrospective

In this Harry Potter retrospective, delve into the beloved world of wizardry and uncover the magic behind J.K. Rowling's iconic series. From the characters and themes to the intricate plotlines and memorable scenes, join us on a journey through the spellbinding universe of Harry Potter. Discover the impact of this timeless tale on pop culture and why it continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Read More
Reflecting on the Sprint: Dive into a Shark-Themed Retrospective
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Reflecting on the Sprint: Dive into a Shark-Themed Retrospective

Retrospectives are an essential tool for any Delivery Manager or team lead looking to improve their team's performance. But traditional retrospective templates can feel stale and uninspiring. Why not mix things up with a shark-themed retrospective?

This fun and engaging template features four sections, each with a corresponding shark illustration and space for reflection. In the "feeling safe" section, you can consider what made you and your team feel secure during the sprint. In "feeling in danger," you can identify any potential roadblocks or risks that arose. The "jaws of success" section allows you to recognize and appreciate any team members or successes that deserve credit, while the "Shark Week Discovery Channel" section encourages you to reflect on what you learned during the sprint.

By using this unique and memorable template, you can inject some fun into your retrospectives and approach reflection in a fresh way. Give it a try and see how it impacts your team's performance and engagement.

Read More
Revolutionise Your Virtual Meetings With The Cage Gauge
Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones Retrospectives Steven Sampson-Jones

Revolutionise Your Virtual Meetings With The Cage Gauge

Nic Cage Gauge is a unique and innovative tool that can revolutionise the way you interact in virtual meetings and icebreakers. By using the emotional range of Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage as a guide, you can express a wide range of emotions and engage your colleagues in a fun and creative way. Whether you're using Nic Cage Gauge to break the ice or to add a bit of humor to a presentation, this tool is sure to bring a new level of energy and engagement to your virtual interactions. So why not give it a try and see how Nic Cage Gauge can help you enhance your virtual meetings?

Read More