Retrospective by Axelle Vanquaillie
Retrospective means looking back. This retrospective template helps teams to reflect on what worked well, what didn't work well, and what they learned. In this template, we added a few other aspects, more specifically, the equipment, the atmosphere, etc...
The value of a retrospective lies in the initiatives and actions that follow the reflection and improve the team's performance sustainably.
5 tips for running a retrospective meeting:
1. Install a safe environment. Like with every team reflection exercise, ensuring a climate of psychological safety is crucial. Make sure everyone is and feels involved. Focus on learning and not on blaming. And agree on the confidentiality of the meeting: what happens there stays there.
2. Organize individual reflection and allow people to talk in pairs first before sharing with the larger group. Discuss the pain points, learnings, achievements, etc... theme per theme, and make sure every voice has been heard.
3. Start with the aspects that went well. Starting strong brings positive energy and helps you through the harder nuts to crack.
4. Help the team switch from problems to solutions by defining the learnings immediately after framing the obstacles.
5. Go from solution to action. Agree on which steps need to be taken and hold each other accountable. Make the actions and next steps feasible so you can celebrate successes.
This template was created by Axelle Vanquaillie.
Get started with this template right now.
4 L's Retrospective Template
Works best for:
Retrospectives, Decision Making
So you just completed a sprint. Teams busted their humps and emotions ran high. Now take a clear-eyed look back and grade the sprint honestly—what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved. This approach (4Ls stand for liked, learned, lacked, and longed for) is an invaluable way to remove the emotion and look at the process critically. That’s how you can build trust, improve morale, and increase engagement—as well as make adjustments to be more productive and successful in the future.
Easter Egg Retrospective
Works best for:
Agile Methodology, Retrospectives, Meetings
The Easter Egg Retrospective template offers a themed approach to retrospectives, incorporating elements of the Easter holiday. It provides elements for reflecting on past iterations, hunting for hidden insights, and brainstorming improvements. This template enables teams to have fun while addressing serious topics, fostering creativity and collaboration. By promoting a playful yet productive atmosphere, the Easter Egg Retrospective empowers teams to uncover hidden gems, drive improvement, and strengthen team cohesion effectively.
Retrospective - Summer
Works best for:
Retrospectives, Agile Methodology, Meetings
The Retrospective - Summer template offers a seasonal and themed approach to retrospectives, perfect for capturing the spirit of summer. It provides elements for reflecting on achievements, experiences, and goals amidst the summer backdrop. This template enables teams to relax, recharge, and recalibrate their efforts for the upcoming season. By promoting reflection and rejuvenation, the Retrospective - Summer empowers teams to celebrate successes, learn from setbacks, and embark on new adventures with renewed energy and enthusiasm effectively.
Christmas Retrospective
Works best for:
Agile Methodology, Meetings, Retrospectives
The Christmas Retrospective template offers a festive and celebratory approach to retrospectives, incorporating the holiday spirit into the session. It provides elements for reflecting on achievements, sharing gratitude, and setting intentions for the future. This template fosters a sense of warmth, togetherness, and appreciation among team members, encouraging reflection on both professional and personal growth. By infusing the retrospective with the joy of the holiday season, the Christmas Retrospective empowers teams to strengthen relationships, cultivate positivity, and drive continuous improvement effectively.
5Gs Retrospective
Works best for:
Agile Methodology, Retrospectives, Meetings
The 5Gs Retrospective template offers a structured approach for teams to reflect on their projects or iterations, focusing on five key aspects: Goals, Gains, Gratitude, Gaps, and Growth. It provides elements for identifying achievements, expressing gratitude, and addressing areas for improvement. This template enables teams to conduct retrospectives systematically, fostering a culture of learning, appreciation, and continuous improvement. By emphasizing the five dimensions of reflection, the 5Gs Retrospective empowers teams to optimize their performance, enhance collaboration, and achieve their goals effectively.
Reflection Island: End of Year Team Retro
Works best for:
Retrospectives, Agile Methodology, Meetings
The Reflection Island: End of Year Team Retro template offers a creative and themed approach to retrospectives, perfect for wrapping up the year. It provides elements for reflecting on achievements, challenges, and goals using a tropical island theme. This template enables teams to celebrate successes, learn from setbacks, and set intentions for the upcoming year in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. By promoting reflection and celebration, the Reflection Island: End of Year Team Retro empowers teams to strengthen bonds, boost morale, and start the new year with renewed energy and focus effectively.