How to Run a Scrum Retrospective with Google Jamboard
As more companies switch over to a fully remote workforce, Scrum teams may face challenges of running a Retrospective Scrum Meeting remotely. I've discovered that Google Jamboard is great for running Retrospectives especially when it comes to Retro activities like the Starfish chart. Below is an outline on how to run a Scrum Retrospective using the Google Jamboard tool.
Why use Google Jamboards for your Retrospectives?
It’s simple and easy to use.
Most users have access to G Suite
Does not require sign up for others to collaborate
Great for remote teams
No Extra Monthly Cost
Set Up Google Jamboard for Remote Retrospective
In your browser, head to: https://jamboard.google.com/
Next click on the + Circle button the bottom right to create a new board
Click the top left “Untitled Jam” and rename your board to reflect today’s date.
Ex. “Retro - 9/11/20”. Click the OK button
Next, click on the top right button titled “Share”
Towards the bottom, click on “Change to anyone with the link”
Click on “Viewer” and choose “Editor”
Click on Copy Link. This will be the link you share with your team.
Click Done
Set the Retrospective Activity Image
Now that you have your Jamboard ready to share, we need to upload the Retrospective activity as the main background image. You can either upload your own Retrospective activity or use Google Search to find a Retrospective activity. Instructions for both below.
Google Jamboard Image Search Method
Click on the image button on the left side
Click on “Google Image Search”
Search for your Retrospective activity. Ex. Starfish Chart
Resize the image to fill the Jamboard
Google Jamboard Upload Method
Click on the image button on the left side
Click on “Upload”
Click on “Select files from your device”
Choose the image files from your local drive
Resize the image to fill the Jamboard
How to Add a Sticky note to Google Jamboard
Click on the Sticky note icon on the left side
Type out the Retro item you want to share. Click Save.
Drag the Sticky note to the desired position on the chart.
How to Add a .GIF Image to Google Jamboard
Click on the “Add Image” icon on the left side
Click on “Google Image Search” tab
In the search bar, type out your a image idea you have and make sure to put .GIF at the end to denote the file type you are looking for
Click Insert
Drag the .GIF image to the desired position on the chart.
Running the Retrospective Meeting with Google Jamboard
Now that the board is fully set up, we need to send out our link to our team and invite them to participate on the board.
Invite your team members using the Google Jamboard
Show them the how to use the Sticky Note or Image function
Run the Retro activity as you normally would
Next, have the team vote on the most important items by using the Pen tool.
Voting on Retro Items Using Google Jamboard
Use the “Text Box” tool on the toolbar
Find a space on the board and label the area as “Top Issues”
Have the team members start voting on the items that they see as the most important by using the Pen tool to place a line on the Sticky notes of their choice.
Once all the votes have been cast, move the Sticky notes to the Top Issues column.
Once, the top issues have been selected. Go through the normal process of setting up a SMART goal for the Retro item and get that scheduled as a to do item in the following Sprint. Good luck with your next Retrospectives!
Oh! Here’s a free Star Chart I’ve made. Feel free to download:
