Brainstorm Bonanza is an energetic retrospective that channels the team's creativity, helping to generate new ideas, remove barriers, and reinforce winning approaches.

When to use this template

Use this format when your team needs a creative boost or is preparing for a new challenge, project kickoff, or after a routine sprint that feels stagnant.

How to facilitate

Welcome the team and set the context: explain the focus on ideation, improvement, and creative flow.

Briefly introduce the three columns and clarify what types of feedback or ideas fit in each category.

Give participants a few silent minutes to reflect and add thoughts to any column—encourage wild and bold suggestions for maximum ideation.

Prompt team members to read through posted notes, grouping similar items and clarifying as needed.

Discuss each column, prioritizing blocks to address and sparks to nurture or implement.

Collaboratively agree on actionable next steps based on the top ideas and obstacles surfaced.

Wrap up by celebrating participation, summarizing key takeaways, and confirming owners for action items.

Pro Tips

Use visual icebreakers or a lightning question to warm up creative thinking at the start.

Encourage participants to challenge assumptions—sometimes the best ideas come from questioning the status quo.

If energy lags, introduce a short rapid-fire round where everyone submits one new idea in 60 seconds.

Check in mid-retro to ensure all voices are heard, not just the most vocal team members.

FAQ

What if we run out of new ideas in 'Spark New Ideas'?

Prompt with targeted questions about pain points or upcoming goals to stimulate further thinking. Remind the team that even small tweaks can have a big impact.

How do we avoid too much focus on negative blocks?

Balance the discussion by ensuring each column gets equal attention. Celebrate 'Keep the Sparks Alive' items to maintain positivity and reinforce what works.

How can I ensure everyone participates equally?

Set clear expectations for equal input and rotate who starts each discussion section. Use anonymous submissions if some team members feel hesitant.

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At a glance

Duration
40–55 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

⚡️🧠 Brainstorm Bonanza

Welcome to the Brainstorm Bonanza! Join us under the stormy clouds of creativity as we spark ideas, clear obstacles, and fuel continuous improvements. Let’s electrify our next sprint with fresh thinking and powerful collaboration!

Template Columns

🌩️ Spark New Ideas

🌬️ Blow Away Blocks

🔥 Keep the Sparks Alive

About this template