⚡️💥 Energy Boost
Let’s recharge our team’s batteries with an energizing retro! Focus on what powers us, what can spark new momentum, and how to zap away obstacles so we can reach our full potential together.
Template Columns
🔋 Reliable Power Sources
Highlight the things that consistently fuel our progress and should stay in our routine.
Base column: Keep⚡️ New Sources of Energy
Suggest fresh ideas or practices that could give our team an extra jolt of energy.
Base column: Add🌙 Energy Drainers
Identify processes or habits that sap our energy, so we can do them less often.
Base column: Less☀️ Amplify the Buzz
Point out what energizes us the most and share ways to boost their presence even more.
Base column: MoreAbout this template
The Energy Boost retrospective helps teams reflect on what fuels their momentum, spark new ideas for improvement, and eliminate energy drainers for a revitalized team dynamic.
When to use this template
Use this format when your team feels low on motivation, after an intense sprint, or anytime you want to refocus on positive energy and collaboration.
How to facilitate
Set the stage by inviting everyone to consider what boosts or drains their energy at work
Explain the four columns: Reliable Power Sources, New Sources of Energy, Energy Drainers, and Amplify the Buzz
Use silent brainstorming so team members can add thoughts to each column directly and without influence from others
Invite everyone to review the board and group similar items together to spot trends
Discuss each column in turn, exploring how to preserve power sources, try new ideas, minimize drainers, and amplify what works
Prioritize a small set of actionable improvements and assign owners for follow-up
Close with a quick round of appreciations or a fun re-energizing activity to keep team momentum high
Pro Tips
Kick off with a brief icebreaker or energizer to create the right mood
Encourage specific examples in each column to generate more actionable insights
Use the Amplify column to celebrate wins and reinforce positive team behaviors
Timebox each section so energy stays high throughout the retro
Invite quieter teammates to share their ideas in chat or comments if they're less comfortable speaking up
FAQ
How do I help the team open up about energy drainers without blaming others?
Remind everyone to focus on processes, not people, and frame feedback as opportunities for shared improvement rather than pointing fingers.
What if most suggestions in the 'New Sources of Energy' column feel unrealistic?
Encourage brainstorming, then together filter out ideas that are actionable right now versus those to revisit later, ensuring at least one new idea is trialed.
How do I prevent the retro from getting repetitive if we use 'Energy Boost' often?
Mix up the facilitation style, rotate who leads each section, or challenge the team to bring new examples each time to keep insights fresh.
At a glance
- Duration
40–60 min
- Team Size
4-12 people
- Columns
4 columns
- Base Format
Keep, Add, Less, More
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective