What Went Well
Discuss successes and positive experiences during the sprint.
Example cards
- Team collaboration improved remarkably.
- We completed all our planned user stories.
- The new communication tool boosted engagement.
What Went Well Retrospective
A structured approach to review successes and identify areas for improvement.
45–45 min4–10 people2 columns
Adjust the columns and settings before you start.
Created by Alexandr Voloshyn
OfficialRecommended
Find the right fit
When to use it
Use this format to celebrate achievements while also finding ways to enhance team processes.
When to choose another format
Avoid this format if the team is struggling with interpersonal conflicts or needs to focus solely on problems.
Questions that guide the conversation
Use these prompts to collect specific observations. One idea per note keeps the discussion easy to follow.
What Could Be Improved
Identify obstacles and areas for enhancement.
Example cards
- Some deadlines were tight due to unexpected issues.
- Need clearer definitions for some user stories.
- Inconsistent adherence to meeting schedules.
From reflection to a next step
45–45 minA suggested flow for this board. Reserve time at the end to agree on what happens next.
- 1
Set the Stage 5 min
Introduce the retrospective purpose. Encourage honesty and open communication. 5 minutes
- 2
Brainstorm Successes 15 min
Ask participants to share what went well during the sprint. Write down contributions under the 'What Went Well' column. 15 minutes
- 3
Identify Challenges 10 min
Discuss obstacles to success and write them under 'What Could Be Improved'. 10 minutes
- 4
Vote on Improvements 5 min
Have each participant use their 3 votes to prioritize improvement ideas. 5 minutes
- 5
Action Items Discussion 10 min
Analyze the top improvement suggestions and create concrete action items. Assign owners. 10 minutes
Facilitator’s example
Make the next step small enough to happen
A specific observation
The team acknowledged key successes and expressed desire for continuous improvement.
A clear experiment
Implementing feedback from the retrospective by tracking progress on action items over the next sprint.
Make the conversation useful
- Encourage all team members to share their thoughts to create a safe space for discussion.
- Use sticky notes for brainstorming to visualize ideas better.
- Remind participants that this is a blameless retrospective focused on learning.
Before you start
What is the purpose of this retrospective?
The aim is to understand what the team did well, identify obstacles, and agree on actionable improvements.
How do we ensure everyone participates?
Set a supportive tone and encourage quieter team members to share their ideas.
What if there are conflicts during the discussion?
Reiterate the intent of the retrospective as a learning opportunity and ensure a respectful dialogue.
More retrospective templates
All templatesOfficialRecommended
OfficialRecommended
OfficialRecommended