🎆 Fireworks Spectacular
Let's light up our sprint like a dazzling fireworks show! Reflect on what sparked, fizzled, and kept the momentum going, so our teamwork bursts with color and brilliance every time.
Template Columns
✨ Spark New Rockets
Share innovative practices or ideas you think we should ignite in our process.
Base column: Start💥 Douse The Duds
Identify actions or habits that fizzled and should be stopped to avoid future misfires.
Base column: Stop🎇 Keep the Grand Finale
Highlight ongoing efforts that consistently light up our project and should continue to shine.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Fireworks Spectacular retrospective helps teams celebrate successes, address what isn't working, and spark fresh ideas, using the metaphor of a fireworks display to inspire positivity and action.
When to use this template
Use this format at the end of a sprint or milestone when the team could use a burst of creativity, morale-boosting recognition, or needs new ideas to keep momentum high.
How to facilitate
Welcome the team and introduce the Fireworks Spectacular theme, explaining each column's focus: new sparks, duds to douse, and efforts to keep shining.
Set a positive tone with a quick icebreaker where everyone shares a recent team highlight or personal win.
Give team members time to silently add notes to each column, encouraging them to think of all aspects—big or small—that fit the spark, dud, and finale categories.
Invite participants to review all notes, grouping similar ideas and clarifying where needed.
Facilitate a discussion on each column, starting with new sparks, then douse the duds, and ending with the grand finale, making sure each participant has a chance to share.
Work together to highlight key insights and decide on concrete action items, especially from the spark and dud columns.
Close by celebrating successes and thanking everyone for helping the team shine brighter.
Pro Tips
Prime the team with examples before brainstorming to help everyone distinguish between tried ideas, failed attempts, and ongoing wins.
Mix up the order by starting with grand finale to encourage a strengths-based mindset before addressing challenges.
Assign a timekeeper to keep the retro upbeat and on track, maintaining the theme's energetic pace.
FAQ
What if the team focuses too much on fizzled actions?
Balance is important—redirect the discussion back to positives and new ideas if it gets bogged down in negatives.
How can we make action items from new ideas actually stick?
Assign clear owners and follow-up dates for each action so new sparks get the attention they deserve.
Is this template suitable for large teams?
For groups over 10, consider breakout groups for each column to keep everyone engaged and discussions focused.
At a glance
- Duration
35–50 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