🐾🏠 Dalmatians' Den
Step into the spotty world of 101 Dalmatians! Let’s sniff out what helps our pack thrive, chase away bad habits, and keep fetching the good ones together to achieve a tail-wagging sprint!
Template Columns
🐶 New Tricks to Start Learning
Suggest spot-on habits or fresh tricks our team should pick up to make our journey more paw-some!
Base column: Start🚫 Bones to Stop Burying
Identify pursuits or patterns that make our kennel chaotic and should be left behind, just like Cruella’s tricks!
Base column: Stop🐾 Spots to Keep Following
Highlight practices that keep our team barking along harmoniously—let’s keep these fetching routines!
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
Dalmatians' Den is a playful retrospective that encourages teams to identify helpful new habits, let go of unproductive routines, and reinforce positive team behaviors—unleashing improvements every sprint.
When to use this template
Use this format when your team needs a refreshing twist on a classic Start/Stop/Continue, especially when morale needs a boost or you want to foster creative and open sharing.
How to facilitate
Kick off with a warm welcome and set the playful, inclusive tone by introducing the Dalmatians' theme.
Review the meaning behind each column so everyone understands how to categorize their thoughts—encourage fun, spotty metaphors.
Give everyone a few silent minutes to contribute thoughts to each column individually in Kollabe.
Invite the team to group similar items, discussing as you cluster common themes.
Facilitate a focused discussion on each column, prompting the team to prioritize which suggestions could make the biggest impact.
Guide the team in selecting 1-2 concrete actions from each column to commit to for the next sprint.
End with a quick round of appreciation or a virtual tail-wag to celebrate insights shared and commitments made.
Pro Tips
Use playful, themed language to invite participation—this can break down barriers to honest feedback.
Share the column prompts ahead of time, so team members come ready with ideas.
Encourage quieter team members to contribute first during sharing rounds to balance voices.
Use visual cues or icons in Kollabe cards to keep the energy light and on-theme.
Plan a follow-up at the start of the next retro to check progress on chosen actions.
FAQ
How can I encourage shy team members to participate in themed retrospectives?
Set expectations early that creativity and fun are welcome, and consider starting with anonymous input or small breakout groups to help quieter voices be heard.
What if the team has trouble coming up with 'new tricks' to start learning?
Prompt with specific team challenges or recent blockers as inspiration, or invite everyone to share even small, experimental ideas.
How can we make sure 'bones to stop burying' don't turn into blame sessions?
Keep the focus on processes and behaviors, not individuals. As facilitator, gently reframe negative comments into constructive opportunities for change.
At a glance
- Duration
40–55 min
- Team Size
4-10 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective