What type of feedback is encouraged in agile retrospectives?

• A. Performance reviews of team members
• B. Only positive feedback
• C. Constructive feedback on processes and outcomes
• D. General comments without specifics

Answer: (C)

Encouraging constructive feedback on processes and outcomes in agile retrospectives is essential because it fosters an environment of continuous improvement. Agile methodologies prioritize collaboration and adaptation, so retrospectives serve as a crucial venue where teams can openly discuss what worked well and what did not.

Constructive feedback focuses on specific observations related to processes, interactions, and delivered outcomes. This type of feedback allows team members to analyze situations critically and collaboratively to identify actionable improvements. It helps the team learn from their experiences, adapt their practices, and create a more effective workflow in future iterations.

In contrast, performance reviews of team members may create a more judgment-focused atmosphere, which could stifle open communication. Only positive feedback would limit discussions that are necessary for identifying areas for improvement, while general comments without specifics fail to provide the actionable insights needed for meaningful change. Therefore, constructive feedback is the most valuable and aligned with the agile philosophy of transparency, inspection, and adaptation.