⚡ Lightning Retrospective
Charge up our sprint with the energy of a lightning storm! Reflect on what sparked progress, what needs grounding, and how we can channel our agile power for even brighter results.
Template Columns
⚡ Sparks to Ignite (Start)
Share new ideas or actions that could energize our workflow and boost efficiency.
Base column: Start⛈️ Storms to Disperse (Stop)
Identify practices or obstacles that short-circuit progress and should be avoided.
Base column: Stop🌩️ Currents to Sustain (Continue)
Highlight ongoing habits or processes that keep our team positively charged.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Lightning Retrospective sparks energetic team reflection on what to start, stop, and continue to keep productivity and morale high.
When to use this template
Use this format at the end of a sprint to drive quick, focused insights when your team needs an energetic boost and actionable outcomes.
How to facilitate
Set the stage by connecting the lightning theme to energized teamwork and quick results, encouraging lively participation
Have everyone add notes to the Sparks to Ignite column, focusing on new actions or ideas that could power up the next sprint
Move to Storms to Disperse, and prompt sharing of anything that disrupted flow or hindered progress, with an emphasis on candor and solutions
Ask the team to highlight Currents to Sustain, noting ongoing habits and processes that should be kept alive for continued support
Cluster similar ideas in each column together to spot trends and drive consensus
Discuss the most impactful items from each column, prioritizing quick wins and critical blockers
Assign owners to top actions and outline next steps, ensuring follow-up after the retrospective
Close with a team check-out—each member shares one takeaway or intention for the next sprint
Pro Tips
Encourage participants to use concrete examples for each column to keep discussion actionable and focused
Bring extra energy as facilitator—use upbeat icebreakers or themed visuals to set the lightning-fast vibe
When clustering ideas, highlight unexpected insights as potential quick wins or experiments for the next sprint
Rotate who leads each column’s discussion to give everyone a voice and increase buy-in
FAQ
What if the team only shares surface-level ideas?
Prompt with examples and ask probing questions to dig deeper, or run a short brainstorming activity for each column.
How do we keep the pace brisk but effective?
Timebox each phase, use a visible timer, and focus discussion on the most valuable insights for the team.
What if we have recurring items in the Storms to Disperse column?
Address them directly, explore why they persist, and involve the team in creating actionable solutions or experiments.
Is this format suitable for larger teams?
For teams over eight, split into smaller breakout groups and combine findings before prioritizing action items together.
At a glance
- Duration
30–40 min
- Team Size
3-8 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective