Back to Instructables

Retrospective Formats

Different ways to facilitate team reflection and continuous improvement.

Why Vary the Format?

Using the same retrospective format every time can lead to routine fatigue. Switching up the format keeps the team engaged, encourages different perspectives, and can uncover different types of insights.

Popular Formats

Start, Stop, Continue

A classic, action-oriented format focusing on behaviors and processes.

  • Start
  • Stop
  • Continue

Mad, Sad, Glad

Focuses on emotional responses to the sprint. Good for when team morale or conflict is an issue.

  • Mad
  • Sad
  • Glad

The 4 Ls

A balanced format that covers facts, feelings, and future desires.

  • Liked
  • Learned
  • Lacked
  • Longed For

Sailboat

A visual metaphor useful for looking at the project's direction and obstacles.

  • Wind (Propellers)
  • Anchors (Hold us back)
  • Rocks (Risks)
  • Island (Goal)

General Structure

Regardless of the format, a good retrospective usually follows these steps:

  1. Set the Stage: Check-in, welcome, review goal.
  2. Gather Data: Team adds notes to the chosen format columns.
  3. Generate Insights: Group similar notes, discuss patterns.
  4. Decide What to Do: Vote on the most important issues and create action items.
  5. Close: Review action items and check-out.