Banana Bonanza is a fun, engaging retrospective that encourages teams to identify what to start, stop, and continue—peeling back layers to improve collaboration and performance.

When to use this template

Use this retrospective at the end of a sprint or project when you want to energize your team and gather well-rounded feedback on processes, habits, and teamwork.

How to facilitate

Open the session by sharing the Banana Bonanza theme and outlining the purpose of each column to set a playful, open tone.

Invite each team member to reflect individually and add insights under Plant New Banana Trees, Slip-Ups to Avoid, and Proven Jungle Moves.

Review each column as a group, discuss the points added, and encourage storytelling to deepen understanding.

Prioritize actions from the Plant New Banana Trees and Slip-Ups to Avoid columns based on impact and feasibility.

Agree on specific next steps or experiments to try in the upcoming sprint, documenting owners and follow-up dates.

Pro Tips

Use themed icebreakers to help participants embrace the playful spirit—try asking for everyone’s favorite fruit or banana pun to warm up.

Guide the discussion to ensure all voices are heard, especially when reviewing slip-ups, to maintain a positive, solution-focused tone.

Cap discussions in each column to avoid time overruns; a timer can help keep the meeting energetic and on-track.

FAQ

What if team members are hesitant to share slip-ups?

Start by sharing your own example to lower barriers. Emphasize the non-blaming, growth-oriented intent of this column.

How can we keep the session focused with the playful theme?

Set clear timeboxes for each segment and gently steer conversation from jokes back to insights if needed, using the theme as an energizer rather than a distraction.

Is this format suitable for larger teams?

For groups larger than ten, consider splitting into subteams to allow everyone to contribute meaningfully before sharing main highlights with the full group.

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At a glance

Duration
30–40 min
Team Size
3-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

🍌 Banana Bonanza

Let’s peel back the layers of our sprint in this fruitful retrospective! Share what we should start, stop, or keep doing to make our teamwork as smooth as a banana smoothie.

Template Columns

🌱 Plant New Banana Trees

🍌 Slip-Ups to Avoid

🦍 Proven Jungle Moves

About this template