Start, stop, continue retrospective template

The quickest useful retro: three columns for what to start doing, stop doing and keep doing. Thirty minutes, and everyone leaves with actions.

Use this template

Opens a new board from it in Stetley Board. Sign in with your email first if you haven’t: no password, no card.

The board

Three columns: Start, Stop and Continue. It suits a team that’s short of time, or a first retro with people who haven’t done one before.

How to run it in 30 minutes

Stetley Board walks the room through these steps, with a timer for each and a guide for the facilitator. Change the times to suit you.

1. Set the scene 1 min

   Three columns: what we should start doing, stop doing and keep doing.

2. Write alone 6 min

   One thought per note, in the column where it belongs.

3. Read and group 7 min

   Read all three columns. Stack notes that say the same thing.

4. Pick 5 min

   Vote for the most original and the most doable — they're different. Select a note, then tap ✦ Original or ✓ Doable on the bar above it.

5. Turn into actions 8 min

   For the top picks, write the very next action and who owns it: "When ___ happens, I'll ___."

6. Wrap up 3 min

   Nice work — the board is saved, and the summary is ready to download. What's one thing you're taking away?

Tips

• Read Continue first, so the good things are said out loud.
• For each Stop, ask what’s behind it before deciding anything.
• Pick two or three actions, not ten. Name an owner for each.

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