Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For
Reflect on what we enjoyed, what we discovered, what we missed, and what we aspire to achieve, guiding our next sprint.
Template Columns
Liked
Celebrate the aspects that worked well and brought joy.
Base column: LikedLearned
Share insights and knowledge gained during the sprint.
Base column: LearnedLacked
Identify gaps and missing resources that hindered progress.
Base column: LackedLonged For
Express aspirations and improvements we hope to achieve.
Base column: Longed ForAbout this template
A four‑column retrospective that captures what the team liked, learned, lacked, and longed for to shape the next sprint.
When to use this template
Use when you want balanced reflection on positives, lessons, gaps, and future aspirations, especially after a milestone or at the end of a sprint.
How to facilitate
Set the stage by reminding the team of the purpose and the four columns: Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For
Give each participant 3–5 minutes to write silent notes on virtual sticky notes for each column, focusing on personal observations
Collect the notes and group similar items together, allowing brief clarifications
Facilitate a discussion column by column, starting with Liked, then Learned, Lacked, and Longed For, encouraging the team to share stories and prioritize items
Summarize the key take‑aways, decide on concrete actions to address Lacked items and pursue Longed‑For aspirations, and capture them in the sprint backlog
Pro Tips
Use a timer for each silent writing phase to keep energy high and ensure equal contribution
When clustering notes, use color‑coded tags to highlight items that overlap across columns, revealing hidden connections
Invite a rotating ‘devil’s advocate’ to challenge assumptions in the Lacked column, turning gaps into opportunities
FAQ
What if the team struggles to find anything for the Lacked column?
Encourage them to think about missing resources, information, or support, and remind that even small gaps are valuable insights.
How do we prevent the discussion from turning into a blame session?
Focus on facts and behaviors, use ‘I observed’ language, and keep the tone constructive by framing each point as an opportunity for improvement.
Can we combine this with action‑item tracking?
Yes, after the discussion capture agreed actions in a separate column or tool, linking each action to the specific Lacked or Longed‑For item it addresses.
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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
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective