Lean Coffee Retro

The Lean Coffee retrospective is a dynamic and democratic way to hold team retrospectives that keeps discussions focused and inclusive. Instead of presenting a fixed agenda, the facilitator invites everyone to suggest discussion topics at the start of the meeting. These topics are placed on a board and the team votes on which ones they find most important. The highest‑rated topics are then discussed first and each conversation is time‑boxed, allowing the group to decide whether to continue or move on to the next item. This iterative process ensures the meeting remains productive while giving every participant a voice.

Because the agenda is collaboratively generated, Lean Coffee meetings feel engaging and relevant. All voices are heard, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where the team can surface and address their most pressing issues. The approach is adaptable to both in‑person and virtual settings, and the time‑boxed discussions prevent topics from dragging on. Teams appreciate the method’s democratic nature, which prioritizes the topics that matter most, avoids low‑priority distractions and often brings to light issues that traditional agendas might miss. By embracing Lean Coffee, teams cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and leave the retrospective with actionable insights and a shared sense of ownership over the outcomes.