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.
Sailboat Retro
Works best for:
Retrospectives, Agile Methodology, Meetings
The Sailboat Retrospective template offers a metaphorical journey through past iterations and future goals, likening the retrospective process to sailing a boat. It provides elements for identifying driving forces (winds), restraining forces (anchors), and destination (goal). This template enables teams to reflect on what propels them forward, what holds them back, and where they want to go next. By promoting visualization and metaphorical thinking, the Sailboat Retrospective empowers teams to navigate challenges, set sail towards their objectives, and steer towards success effectively.
4Ps Retrospective
The 4Ps Retrospective template offers a structured framework for teams to reflect on past iterations or projects using the 4Ps model (Praise, Problems, Possibilities, and Plans). It provides elements for sharing positive feedback, identifying challenges, exploring opportunities, and setting action plans. This template enables teams to conduct retrospectives systematically, generate actionable insights, and drive continuous improvement. By promoting a balanced and comprehensive approach, the 4Ps Retrospective empowers teams to enhance collaboration, boost morale, and achieve their objectives effectively.
Breakout Group Template
Works best for:
Education, Team Meetings, Workshops
Breakout groups provide an excellent opportunity for teammates to have candid conversations and connect on a more intimate level than is possible during a broader meeting. When you’re in a large group setting, it can be difficult for people to feel safe or comfortable speaking up. In a smaller group, participants can feel safer sharing their ideas. Since the group is more intimate, teams are empowered to participate rather than observe.
A Halloween Retro
Works best for:
Retrospectives, Meetings, Agile Methodology
The Retrospective Halloween template offers a themed approach to retrospectives, perfect for the spooky season. It provides elements for reflecting on past iterations, identifying scary issues, and brainstorming solutions. This template enables teams to have fun while addressing serious topics, fostering creativity and collaboration. By promoting a playful yet productive atmosphere, the Retrospective Halloween empowers teams to tackle challenges, drive improvement, and strengthen team cohesion effectively.
Sailboat Template
Works best for:
Agile Methodology, Meetings, Retrospectives
The Sailboat Retrospective is a low-pressure way for teams to reflect on how they handled a project. By defining your risks (the rocks), delaying issues (anchors), helping teams (wind), and the goal (land), you’ll be able to work out what you’re doing well and what you need to improve on for the next sprint. Approaching team dynamics with a sailboat metaphor helps everyone describe where they want to go together by figuring out what slows them down and what helps them reach their future goals.
Project Retrospective
Works best for:
Retrospectives, Agile Methodology
The Project Retrospective template offers a structured approach for teams to review project performance and identify areas for enhancement. It provides elements for reflecting on project goals, milestones, successes, and challenges. This template enables teams to evaluate project outcomes, learn from experiences, and implement process improvements. By promoting reflection and accountability, the Project Retrospective empowers teams to optimize project delivery and drive continuous improvement effectively.