🎸🕹️ 90s Throwback Jam
Let's travel back to the raddest decade! Channel your inner 90s kid to reflect on what powered us, slowed us down, and which moves will keep us winning in style. Time to spin that retro wisdom into future hits!
Template Columns
💾 Wind-Up Walkmans
Share what kept our project jamming and moving forward, 90s style!
Base column: Wind📼 Tangled Tapes
Reveal the blockers and challenges that tripped us up like a messed-up cassette tape.
Base column: Anchors📝 Next Big Hit
Suggest fresh, retro-inspired actions for epic improvements next cycle!
Base column: ActionsAbout this template
The 90s Throwback Jam retrospective uses fun nostalgia to spark team reflection on recent successes, challenges, and improvements.
When to use this template
Choose this format to energize end-of-sprint or milestone reviews or when your team needs a fresh and playful approach to problem-solving.
How to facilitate
Open with a quick 90s flashback icebreaker—invite everyone to share a favorite 90s trend, gadget, or song to set the mood.
Explain the three columns, relating them to 90s themes: Wind-Up Walkmans for what propelled the team, Tangled Tapes for blockers, and Next Big Hit for future improvements.
Give team members private time to brainstorm and add notes to each column, encouraging them to use 90s references or metaphors for extra fun.
Read through all submitted notes together. Encourage discussion and ask clarifying questions to uncover insights and patterns, especially in Tangled Tapes.
Group similar items and collaboratively prioritize which issues and next steps to focus on.
For Next Big Hit, agree on concrete actions or experiments for the next cycle, referencing retro inspiration if possible.
Close by celebrating wins (maybe by sharing a retro meme or music clip) and confirming owners for any follow-up items.
Pro Tips
Turn on a 90s playlist in the background to foster a lively, nostalgic vibe.
Encourage creative language—90s slang, song titles, or cultural references make discussions more engaging.
Keep the session moving by setting timers for each phase; energetic formats thrive on pace.
Capture memorable or funny 90s-inspired moments to boost team spirit for the next meeting.
FAQ
What if some team members aren't familiar with 90s culture?
No problem! Briefly explain the references or let team members use any pop culture they enjoy. The nostalgia theme is just to spark creativity.
How do we keep discussions action-oriented in such a playful format?
After each reflection, guide the team to define specific, practical actions under Next Big Hit to ensure fun leads to real improvement.
What if the team gets sidetracked by nostalgia?
If discussions drift, gently steer conversation back to project work using the 90s theme as a bridge. Keep retro elements light but focused on insights.
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At a glance
- Duration
40–55 min
- Team Size
4-10 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Wind, Anchors, Actions
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective