🌱 Back to Basics

Step into the simplicity of agile principles in this minimalist retrospective. Reflect on what we can begin, pause, or continue doing to keep our progress clear and focused.
30–45 min
4-12 people
Based on: Start, Stop, Continue
🌱 Back to Basics

Template Columns

🌟 New Seeds

Share fresh ideas and new approaches we should start adopting to grow.

Base column: Start
🛑 Hit the Brakes

Identify habits or practices that no longer serve us and must stop now.

Base column: Stop
✅ Evergreen Practices

Celebrate existing methods and strategies that are working and should continue.

Base column: Continue

About this template

The Back to Basics retrospective is a minimalist exercise inspired by agile principles, focusing on dissecting team actions into what to start, stop, and continue doing.

When to use this template

Use this template to simplify processes and focus the team on making impactful changes based on clear categories.

How to facilitate

1

Begin with a brief introduction of the retrospective template's purpose and significance of the 'Start, Stop, Continue' structure.

2

Allocate time for participants to individually reflect and add their contributions under each column: New Seeds, Hit the Brakes, Evergreen Practices.

3

Review each contribution together as a team, discussing the rationale behind each point and grouping similar ideas.

4

Collaboratively identify actions or changes for the next cycle or sprint and assign ownership if needed.

5

Close the session by summarizing key insights and thanking the team for their contributions.

Pro Tips

Encourage open and honest communication to ensure all voices are heard.

Keep a balance in discussions to ensure all three columns receive sufficient attention.

Regularly revisit action agreements from previous retrospectives to track progress.

FAQ

What if the team struggles to provide inputs?

Use open-ended prompts to guide discussions, such as asking about recent challenges or successes.

How do I handle too many suggested actions?

Prioritize the most impactful items collaboratively and defer less critical ones to the next retrospective.

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At a glance

  • Duration

    30–45 min

  • Team Size

    4-12 people

  • Columns

    3 columns

  • Base Format

    Start, Stop, Continue

Tags

reflection
action-oriented
simplicity
team alignment
agile principles

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective