š¤”šŖ International Clown Week Extravaganza
Step right up! Celebrate teamwork with clownish creativity as we juggle wins, deflate mishaps, and keep the show rolling. Letās put our agile skills center stage and turn every challenge into a comedy act!
Template Columns
š Inflate New Acts
Suggest new playful ideas or experiments to make our next sprint the main event.
Base column: Startš„ Drop the Deadweight
Call out any clownish habits or blockers that keep tripping us up so we can leave them off the stage.
Base column: Stopšæ Keep the Laughter Rolling
Highlight successes and helpful practices that keep our agile circus running smoothly.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The International Clown Week Extravaganza retro celebrates agile teamwork by using circus and clown-inspired themes to explore new ideas, clear blockers, and reinforce what works. This format encourages playful creativity while driving continuous improvement.
When to use this template
Use this template when your team needs a morale boost, creative thinking, or a fresh approach to discussing wins and challenges. It's especially effective after tough sprints, or when team energy feels low.
How to facilitate
Welcome the team and set a playful theme, encouraging everyone to use humor and creativity while reflecting on the last sprint.
Briefly introduce each column and clarify their circus-inspired meanings, reminding the team to frame feedback constructively.
Run a silent writing round where team members add honest, imaginative notes to each column.
Invite the team to elaborate on favorite cards to add stories and positive energy to the discussion.
As a group, discuss and agree on actionable experiments or improvementsāespecially for any big blockers or new act suggestions.
Wrap up by reviewing key insights, celebrating the team's 'star performances,' and confirming owners for any follow-up actions.
Pro Tips
Use circus or clown-themed icebreakers to get participants in a playful mindset and lower discussion barriers.
Encourage everyone to frame feedback positively, turning blockers into funny anecdotes to boost morale.
Challenge the team to come up with the most creative titles or metaphors for their cardsāthis increases engagement.
If energy dips, take a quick juggling break (virtually, with objects at hand) or a one-minute clown face contest.
FAQ
What if my team isnāt comfortable with a playful theme?
Encourage participation without forcing silliness. Focus on the core agile topics but let humor be optional. Even a lighthearted approach can break the ice.
How can I make sure discussion doesnāt get off track?
Set clear expectations at the start and use gentle reminders to keep comments relevant. The facilitator can redirect conversations back to actionable topics.
What if someone feels their input isnāt being taken seriously?
Reinforce that all feedback is valued, regardless of the tone. Summarize key points seriously after each column to highlight action and improvement.
At a glance
- Duration
35ā50 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