At ThoughtWorks University, we use "speedback" sessions as an introduction to fast feedback. Speedback involves team members pairing up to discuss feedback (taking turns giving or receiving), then switching pairs, until each team member has had time to share feedback with each other.

Session flow

• Start: We introduce the team to the activity and how to rotate between pairs
• Find a new pair: Team members pair up and find a space in the room to sit down together
• A gives to B: The first member in the pair spends two minutes giving feedback to the second member
• B gives to A: The second member in the pair spends two minutes giving feedback to the first member
• Leave pair: Team members split from their pairs
• Shared with everyone?: Team members rotate to their next pairing, unless this was the last round.
• Finish: The session is finished. Team members with more feedback to share can make a time to discuss it later.

Pair rotation

For an even number of team members, you will have n − 1 rounds. One team member will not switch seats between rounds.

For an odd number of team members, you will have n rounds. Each round, one team member will sit by themselves and not share feedback.

Team facilitation tools