Agile isn’t just about sprints, standups, and velocity—it’s about growth. But real growth doesn’t happen unless teams take the time to reflect. This is where Hansei (反省) comes in—a practice of deep reflection that can transform the way teams improve.
Retrospectives are a core part of Agile, yet they often stay surface-level. Teams list what went well and what didn’t, make a few commitments, and move on. True improvement requires something deeper—an honest, structured, and sometimes uncomfortable look at what could have been done better and why.
Hansei offers a way to move beyond superficial reflection and create meaningful, lasting change.
What Is Hansei?
Hansei (反省) is a Japanese term meaning “self-reflection” or “introspection.” It is not just about recognizing mistakes but about taking responsibility for them and committing to improvement.
In Japanese culture, Hansei is widely practiced, from students reflecting on their behavior to executives publicly acknowledging company failures. In business, it is a key principle in the Toyota Production System (TPS), where teams consistently evaluate their performance to refine processes and eliminate inefficiencies.
For Agile teams, Hansei can turn retrospectives from routine meetings into powerful moments of learning and transformation.
At its core, Hansei is not about blame. It is about honest evaluation, ownership, and continuous growth.
Why Hansei Matters in Agile Coaching
1. Most Retrospectives Are Too Shallow
Many teams follow the same retrospective format:
- What went well?
- What didn’t go well?
- What should we do next time?
While these questions provide a basic framework, they do not always uncover the deeper insights needed for improvement. Hansei challenges teams to go further by asking:
- What assumptions did we make that were incorrect?
- Where did we fall short, even in areas where we succeeded?
- How will we ensure that we do not repeat the same mistakes?
2. Hansei Builds Stronger, More Resilient Teams
Teams that engage in deep reflection develop a higher level of accountability. Instead of attributing setbacks to external factors, they take ownership of their decisions. This shift in mindset leads to greater adaptability, as teams proactively improve rather than react only when problems arise.
A culture of reflection also fosters continuous improvement, making teams more self-sufficient and capable of long-term success. Agile coaching is not about creating teams that never struggle—it is about creating teams that learn and grow from challenges.
3. Agile Coaches Need Hansei Too
Great coaches do not simply teach reflection; they practice it themselves. Consider these questions:
- Am I guiding the team, or am I controlling the process?
- Am I truly listening, or am I just waiting to give advice?
- What can I do differently as a coach based on today’s interactions?
Reflection is essential not only for teams but for coaches and leaders as well.
Applying Hansei in Agile Coaching
For Agile Coaches and Leaders
- Replace “What went wrong?” with “What could we have done better, even if things went well?”
- Encourage teams to write private reflections before sharing them in a group setting.
- Foster a culture that values self-improvement rather than strict adherence to processes.
For Agile Teams
- Move beyond obvious mistakes and examine hidden inefficiencies.
- Acknowledge successes but ask what could have been done better.
- Make reflection a habit by integrating it into every sprint, meeting, or major project milestone.
Practical Hansei Questions for Agile Teams
To encourage deeper reflection, try these questions in retrospectives:
Examining Patterns:
- What assumptions did we make that turned out to be incorrect?
- Where did we succeed, but still have room for improvement?
Taking Responsibility:
- How did our choices contribute to the challenges we faced?
- What recurring patterns are emerging that we have not addressed?
Focusing on the Future:
- If we could redo this sprint, what would we change?
- What specific actions will we take to improve moving forward?
Final Thoughts: Hansei as a Mindset
Agile is not about blindly following frameworks; it is about continuous evolution. Hansei ensures that teams do more than go through the motions—it helps them improve over time in a meaningful way.
If a process works, keep it. If it does not, adapt or replace it. What matters is not the framework itself but the ability to reflect, adjust, and grow.
What’s Next?
Take a moment to reflect:
- How do you currently assess your team’s progress?
- What is one thing you would change in your next retrospective?
Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment or connect with me to discuss further.
