The Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall retrospective helps teams celebrate highlights, reflect on lessons, identify gaps, and set fresh goals as they transition from one project cycle or season to the next.

When to use this template

Use this retrospective at the end of major project milestones, quarterly reviews, or when marking seasonal change to refresh team energy and direction.

How to facilitate

Welcome everyone and introduce the theme, explaining each column's seasonal metaphor and focus.

Give participants a few minutes to privately reflect and add their thoughts to each column: Sunniest Moments, Leaves of Wisdom, Lost Shades, and Autumn Aspirations.

Invite participants to read through the board, then facilitate a brief round where people can clarify or expand on their contributions.

Group similar cards, discuss key patterns in each column, and encourage the team to dig into root causes for any recurring topics.

Guide the team to select 2–3 themes or aspirations to turn into specific, actionable next steps for the coming cycle.

Close the session by inviting each team member to share a word or phrase capturing their feeling as the team heads into 'fall.'

Pro Tips

Use the seasonal metaphor to generate positive energy and new perspectives, but keep the discussion rooted in concrete examples.

Encourage quieter team members to share by inviting everyone to contribute to each column before group discussion.

If time allows, let the team select a favorite 'sunniest moment' for some extra celebration or recognition.

Translate Autumn Aspirations into clear, owner-assigned actions to create accountability.

If your team is global, share seasonal photos as a fun icebreaker related to the theme.

FAQ

What if some team members don't relate to the seasonal theme?

Encourage them to focus on the core ideas—highlights, lessons, gaps, and goals—even if the metaphors feel less relevant.

How do you avoid the conversation becoming too nostalgic rather than forward-focused?

Balance by celebrating wins quickly, then spend more time on learning, gaps, and especially Autumn Aspirations to focus on growth and planning.

What if there are too many action items suggested?

Prioritize as a group and select just a few key items to implement. Assign owners to increase follow-through.

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At a glance

Duration
45–60 min
Team Size
4-12 people
Columns
4 columns
Base Format
Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

🍂 Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

Wave farewell to summer in this reflective retro! Let's savor the sunny wins, harvest our lessons, pack away what we lacked, and dream up goals for the seasons ahead.

Template Columns

🌞 Sunniest Moments

🍃 Leaves of Wisdom

🕶️ Lost Shades

🍁 Autumn Aspirations

About this template