🐾 Dog Pack Perspective
Let’s unleash our reflections in this playful, dog-inspired retrospective! Sniff out the wins, dig up the setbacks, and fetch new tricks for teamwork as we strengthen our pack’s collaboration.
Template Columns
🐶 Tail-Wagging Wins
Share the moments that had our tails wagging—the successes and positive outcomes.
Base column: What Went Well🦴 Buried Challenges
Unearth the bones of what went wrong or could have tripped us up during our last sprint.
Base column: What Went Wrong🎾 New Tricks to Learn
Suggest improvements or fresh tricks we can learn to become an even better pack next time.
Base column: What We Want to ImproveAbout this template
The Dog Pack Perspective retrospective uses dog-themed prompts to encourage fun, honest reflection on wins, challenges, and growth areas for your team.
When to use this template
Use this playful retrospective when your team needs a creative, low-pressure environment to discuss recent work, strengthen engagement, or break routine.
How to facilitate
Welcome the team and introduce the Dog Pack Perspective theme to set a light, collaborative tone
Give participants a moment to reflect on the past sprint or project, encouraging them to think in terms of our pack mentality and teamwork
Invite team members to add their thoughts to the Tail-Wagging Wins column, spotlighting successes and positive moments
Guide the team to share obstacles or mistakes in the Buried Challenges column, reassuring everyone that honest discussion helps the whole pack grow
Facilitate idea-sharing in the New Tricks to Learn column, focusing on actionable ways to improve together
Allow time for silent review of all submissions, then discuss each column as a group to identify patterns, prioritize improvement ideas, and celebrate successes
Conclude by confirming next steps or action owners, and thank everyone for contributing to the pack’s growth
Pro Tips
Encourage stories and specific examples versus general comments to deepen insights
Use the playful theme to invite quieter members to contribute by ‘sharing their best dog story’ related to teamwork
Keep the session moving at a lively pace by timeboxing ideation for each column
If energy lags, pause for a quick team stretch or virtual tail-wag!
FAQ
What if my team isn't into dog themes?
Lean into the fun without forcing participation—remind the team it's about open sharing, not theatrics, and you can adjust the theme for future sessions if needed.
How do I facilitate when a lot of challenges are raised?
Acknowledge the honesty, focus on uncovering root causes, and guide the team toward practical next steps in the New Tricks column.
What if discussion gets stuck on wins only?
Gently nudge the group to balance the conversation by modeling vulnerability and asking open questions about missed opportunities or hurdles.
At a glance
- Duration
40–55 min
- Team Size
3-10 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
What Went Well, What Went Wrong, What We Want to Improve
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective