🍍 Bikini Bottom Brainstorm
Dive into the magical underwater world of Bikini Bottom to reflect on our work. Like SpongeBob and friends, let's explore what we should do more of, less of, and continue doing to make our workflows as bubbly and cheerful as possible!
Template Columns
✨ Make Bubbles (Start)
Brainstorm new practices and ideas to make our team thrive, inspired by bubbly adventures.
Base column: Start🚫 Avoid Chum Buckets (Stop)
Identify and eliminate unproductive or harmful practices, just like avoiding Plankton's bad ideas.
Base column: Stop🍔 Keep Flipping Krabby Patties (Continue)
Celebrate what’s working well and commit to keeping those Krabby Patty-worthy practices.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Bikini Bottom Brainstorm retrospective encourages teams to reflect on their workflows by identifying starting, stopping, and continuing practices inspired by the world of SpongeBob.
When to use this template
Use this template when your team wants a fun and creative environment to brainstorm workflow changes and improvements.
How to facilitate
Set the stage by introducing the Bikini Bottom theme and explaining the three categories: Make Bubbles, Avoid Chum Buckets, and Keep Flipping Krabby Patties.
Ask participants to individually note their thoughts in each category based on recent work cycles—preferably keeping their notes concise.
Facilitate a group sharing session, cycling through each category. Have team members read or present their notes briefly.
Cluster similar ideas together on the board and discuss them as a group to flesh out their implications.
Prioritize ideas for action, identifying which suggestions will be implemented moving forward and assigning responsible individuals or follow-up tasks.
Pro Tips
Encourage participants to think beyond their usual perspectives—imagine themselves as cheerful, adventurous characters while brainstorming.
Use timers to keep discussions within a manageable timeframe, ensuring each category receives equal attention.
Use visuals or playful props to immerse the group in the Bikini Bottom theme and add a lighthearted touch.
Ensure there's equitable participation by inviting quieter individuals to share their thoughts in a comfortable manner.
Close the session with a reflection on the process, celebrating any creative breakthroughs that occurred.
FAQ
How can I ensure active participation in this themed retrospective?
Encourage everyone to contribute by explicitly inviting their input. Using light humor and playful engagement aligned with the theme can also lower barriers.
What if the team struggles to identify action points?
Guide the discussion by asking specific and pointed questions. For example, what recent events have gone particularly well or poorly?
Is this template suitable for serious issues?
While inherently playful, this format can adapt to serious conversations if treated with focus and intent during facilitation.
At a glance
- Duration
45–60 min
- Team Size
3-10 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective