🍁🏒 Montreal Moments
Bienvenue à Montréal! Let’s take a tour through the city’s spirit—reflecting on what to begin, pause, and keep doing, just like adapting in the ever-vibrant heart of Quebec.
Template Columns
🥯 Fresh Bagels to Start
Share new ideas and initiatives we should begin, inspired by Montreal’s fresh beginnings each day.
Base column: Start🛑 Stop the Snowstorms
Discuss habits or blockers we should stop, clearing the way like a snowplow on Saint-Catherine Street.
Base column: Stop🎉 Keep the Jazz Going
Highlight positive practices to continue, just as Montreal keeps its festivals alive year-round.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Montreal Moments retrospective uses local Montreal motifs to help teams discuss new initiatives to start, blockers to stop, and positive practices to keep going, creating a fresh, energizing review cycle.
When to use this template
Use this retrospective when you want to energize the team, refresh your workflow, or deliver targeted improvements in a fun, culturally themed atmosphere.
How to facilitate
Invite everyone to set the mood by sharing a favorite Montreal food or festival to build rapport
Introduce each column, using the Montreal-inspired analogies to encourage creativity and connection
Ask team members to individually add notes to each column focusing on things to start, stop, or continue, using the analogies as prompts
Guide the team through each column, grouping similar items and inviting discussion for clarity and prioritization
Facilitate a group conversation to select one or two actionable takeaways from each column
Identify owners for the agreed-upon action items and clarify next steps
Close by inviting final thoughts and a quick check-in on team energy post-retrospective
Pro Tips
Customize the session vibe with Montreal jazz or visuals to make it more engaging and memorable
Encourage stories when discussing ideas—connecting items to real team moments fosters deeper understanding
Rotate the facilitator role to let team members take ownership and bring fresh perspectives
Use the analogies to add humor or lightness, especially when discussing more sensitive blockers
FAQ
What if team members are unfamiliar with Montreal?
Briefly explain the local references and encourage everyone to use the column themes as fun metaphors; focusing on the core meanings of begin, pause, and continue is most important.
How do we keep brainstorming focused?
Set expectations upfront and give time limits for contribution; group similar notes to keep discussions targeted and efficient.
How often should we use the Montreal Moments format?
Try it quarterly or whenever the team needs a fresh perspective—mixing up themes helps maintain engagement and avoids routine fatigue.
At a glance
- Duration
35–50 min
- Team Size
4-12 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective