🔥🚒 Firefighting Mission

Suit up, team! Let's douse the flames and reignite our processes in this firefighting-themed retro. Discuss where our efforts blazed, sputtered out, and where we need to keep the fire going strong.
45-60 min
4-12 people
Based on: Start, Stop, Continue
🔥🚒 Firefighting Mission
Template Columns
🔥 Light the Spark

Highlight new ideas and initiatives that we should ignite going forward.

Base column: Start
🧯 Extinguish the Flames

Identify practices and situations that are burning us out or dampening progress and should be stopped.

Base column: Stop
🔥🔥 Steady Burn

Share successful and valuable practices that keep the momentum going and should be maintained.

Base column: Continue
About this template

The Firefighting Mission retrospective allows teams to identify what to ignite, extinguish, and maintain in their processes, fostering reflection and actionable growth.

When to use this template

Use this retrospective when the team needs to reevaluate their workflow effectiveness and address burning issues.

How to facilitate
1

Kick off the session by setting the theme and explaining the goal of tackling the fires in your team’s workflows through the three retrospective columns.

2

In 'Light the Spark,' have team members propose new initiatives or opportunities to improve processes, innovation, or collaborations.

3

In 'Extinguish the Flames,' identify and discuss elements causing friction, bottlenecks, or inefficiencies that should be addressed or ended.

4

In 'Steady Burn,' acknowledge and celebrate ongoing efforts, successful processes, and habits that are keeping the team sustainable and progressive.

5

Review the cards collaboratively and as a team prioritize actions to take for the highlighted items.

6

Conclude by assigning actionable tasks and setting a follow-up plan to ensure progress on these fronts.

Pro Tips

Encourage the team to reflect deeply on their workflow and suggest impactful changes.

Celebrate the team’s achievements while discussing 'Steady Burn' to maintain morale.

Focus discussions on root causes rather than symptoms when addressing issues in 'Extinguish the Flames.'

FAQ
What if my team struggles to identify meaningful items to discuss?

Provide examples to kickstart ideas or simplify the categories to align closer to current team experiences.

How do we ensure follow-up on identified action items?

Define clear responsibilities and set follow-up dates to review progress.

At a glance
  • Duration

    45-60 min

  • Team Size

    4-12 people

  • Columns

    3 columns

  • Base Format

    Start, Stop, Continue

Tags
team improvement
process evaluation
engagement
revision
growth
Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective