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.
Meeting Reflection Template
Works best for:
Meetings, Brainstorming, Team Meetings
When schedules get hectic, “learning by doing” becomes the default way to learn. So make time for your team to learn in other valuable ways — by reflecting and listening. Led by “learners,” (team members who share with the rest of the team), a meeting reflection lets teammates share new information about a client’s business or an internal business initiative, offer problem-solving techniques, or even recommend books or podcasts worth checking out. Meeting reflections also encourage colleagues at all levels to engage in each other’s professional development of their teammates.
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.
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.
Year in Review Template
Works best for:
Retrospectives
The Year in Review Template encapsulates an entire year's pivotal moments, achievements, and challenges. One of its standout benefits is its ability to foster deep introspection. With this template, people or teams can genuinely reflect on their experiences, ensuring that every lesson learned and every milestone achieved is recognized and used for future growth.
Rose, Bud, Thorn Retrospective Template
Works best for:
Agile Workflows, Retrospectives
Run a simple yet effective retrospective with the Rose, Bud, Thorn Retrospective Template. Identify positive outcomes, challenges, and opportunities moving forward.
8 Bit Hearts - A Retrospective
Works best for:
Agile Methodology, Retrospectives, Meetings
The 8 Bit Hearts - A Retrospective template offers a nostalgic and creative approach to retrospectives, using retro gaming elements to engage team members. It provides elements for reflecting on past experiences, celebrating achievements, and identifying areas for improvement. This template enables teams to foster a fun and collaborative atmosphere, promoting open communication and creative thinking. By combining nostalgia with reflection, the 8 Bit Hearts - A Retrospective empowers teams to build stronger bonds, boost morale, and drive continuous improvement effectively.