The An Unexpected Journey retrospective template inspires teams to explore new ideas, shed unhelpful habits, and celebrate their greatest strengths on the path to project success.

When to use this template

Use this template when your team needs fresh perspective, after finishing a major milestone, or when facing new challenges. It's ideal for teams seeking a sense of camaraderie and forward momentum.

How to facilitate

Welcome the team and set the scene, emphasizing the adventure theme to encourage open exploration of experiences.

Ask team members to reflect quietly and add cards in each column: new paths to begin, obstacles to overcome, and strengths to keep.

Invite everyone to review and discuss the collected cards, clarifying points and drawing connections between ideas.

Facilitate a group decision on which new practices to try and which obstacles to leave behind, ensuring clear action items.

Acknowledge shared strengths by inviting stories or examples, reinforcing team morale.

Wrap up by summarizing key insights and agreed actions, and set a check-in for progress on the next journey.

Pro Tips

Use storytelling to boost engagement, encouraging examples that fit the journey theme.

Prompt quieter team members to share their 'first steps' or 'treasured companions' ideas to balance participation.

Encourage the team to connect obstacles with possible solutions, not just list issues.

Bring humor or adventure metaphors to keep the discussion light but impactful.

FAQ

How do I keep the discussion focused and avoid rambling stories?

Set time boxes for each section and remind participants to keep examples concise. Themed prompts can help guide responses.

What if team members only focus on negatives in 'Avoid the Trolls'?

Prompt them to pair obstacles with constructive ideas from 'First Steps on the Path' or highlight strengths from 'Treasured Companions'.

How can I get actionable outcomes from this retrospective?

Guide the group to translate ideas and obstacles into specific, trackable actions before closing the session.

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At a glance

Duration
45–60 min
Team Size
4-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

🧙‍♂️🗺️ An Unexpected Journey

Gather your fellowship and reflect on our agile adventure! Like brave travelers, let's discuss new paths to begin, obstacles to overcome, and strengths to carry on as we journey to project success.

Template Columns

🌄 First Steps on the Path

🪨 Avoid the Trolls

💍 Treasured Companions

About this template