The power of reflection


Daily Espresso Shot

A specialty blend of tech wisdom

Imagine wrapping up a sprint - your team has hustled, and delivered.

But now it’s time to pause and reflect.

You gather around, not just as professionals, but as a collective of individuals who’ve shared successes, faced challenges, and navigated through the highs and lows together.

Picture a team, varied in roles from executives to engineers, gathering every other week, engaging in a ritual of reflection.

In one of my favorite projects, this was the norm.

Every sprint ended with a round-robin of reflections:

  • What went well?
  • What could be improved?
  • What will we do differently next sprint?

Are you wondering what makes these questions so powerful?

It was the transparency and psychological safety embedded in those sessions.

Everyone, regardless of their position, opened up about their experiences, learnings, and areas for improvement.

The atmosphere was not of judgment but of collective growth, where every challenge was seen as an opportunity to learn and every success.

It was a moment to appreciate and build upon.

In this space, humility and trust were not mere words but practices.

When challenges arose, the grace with which each member was treated was nothing short of admirable.

Imagine a space where you can openly admit to a mistake without fear, knowing that the team views it not as a failure, but as a stepping stone to collective improvement.

Inspired by this, I’ve carried the essence of those reflection sessions into every project since.

Picture integrating this into your projects - a space where every voice, from the intern to the CEO, is heard, valued, and considered equally.

Where news, whether it brings cheers or tears, is shared openly and constructively.

Envision your team where every member feels seen, heard, and valued.

Where transparency isn’t just a value stated on your website but is lived, experienced, and cherished by every member.

It’s not just about managing projects efficiently but about building a culture that stands on the pillars of trust, openness, and collective growth.

Have you experienced the power of transparent reflections in your team?

How do you ensure that every voice is heard and valued?

Brewed by yours truly,

Christopher Kennedy

Let me be real with you,

I’m finding my tribe through this daily newsletter practice. I guarantee to include occasional grammatical errors and spelling mistakes gracefully.

If you have questions or comments, hit the reply button and send it.

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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