🏎️🍄 Mario Kart Grand Prix

Rev up the engines! Zoom through our sprint, celebrate the power‑ups, dodge the banana peels, and avoid the red shells as we race toward smoother teamwork.
45–60 min
4-12 people
Based on: Glad, Sad, Mad
🏎️🍄 Mario Kart Grand Prix

Template Columns

🏆 Power‑Ups Collected

Share the wins and boosts that propelled us forward this sprint.

Base column: Glad
💥 Crashed Moments

Discuss the setbacks and obstacles that slowed our race.

Base column: Sad
😡 Red Shells Fired

Identify frustrations and blockers that sparked anger or tension.

Base column: Mad

About this template

A fast‑paced, game‑themed sprint review where teams highlight wins, troubleshoot setbacks, and surface frustrations using Mario Kart metaphors.

When to use this template

Use when the team needs an energetic, visual way to celebrate successes and address pain points, especially after a high‑velocity sprint.

How to facilitate

1

Begin by setting the race track: explain the Mario Kart metaphor and the three columns representing power‑ups, crashes, and red shells

2

Ask each team member to write a short note for each column, focusing on concrete examples from the sprint

3

Collect the notes and place them on the virtual board, grouping similar items together

4

Facilitate a discussion starting with Power‑Ups, then Crashed Moments, and finally Red Shells, encouraging the team to share insights and lessons

5

Close the session by voting on the top three actions to implement in the next sprint and assign owners

Pro Tips

Use a timer for each column discussion to keep energy high

Encourage playful language but keep focus on actionable outcomes

Allow anonymous submissions for red‑shell items to surface hidden frustrations

FAQ

What if team members are hesitant to share negative feedback?

Assure anonymity for red‑shell entries and remind the group that constructive criticism is a power‑up for improvement.

How much time should be spent on each column?

Allocate roughly 10‑12 minutes per column, adjusting based on the volume of items and discussion depth.

Can we use this format for a non‑technical team?

Yes, the metaphor works for any group; just tailor examples to the team’s context and keep the language inclusive.

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At a glance

  • Duration

    45–60 min

  • Team Size

    4-12 people

  • Columns

    3 columns

  • Base Format

    Glad, Sad, Mad

Tags

team health
game-based
action-oriented
remote-friendly
agile

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective