🌲⛰️ Reaching New Heights
Let's elevate our project perspectives as we climb through the tall forests and up towering mountains. Reflect on what helped us ascend, what held us back, and how we can keep growing towards the peaks of success.
Template Columns
🌱 Seeds to Plant
Propose fresh ideas and things we need to start doing to reach new heights.
Base column: Start🐘 Heavy Loads to Shed
Identify the obstacles or processes we need to stop doing that are slowing our climb.
Base column: Stop🦅 Soaring Strategies
Highlight practices that are already elevating our progress and should continue.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The 'Reaching New Heights' retrospective helps teams reflect on their progress by focusing on growth opportunities, removing blockers, and reinforcing successful strategies.
When to use this template
Use this retrospective during periods of change, after achieving a milestone, or when a team needs to refocus on its objectives.
How to facilitate
Begin by welcoming the team and explaining the 'Reaching New Heights' metaphor. Emphasize collaboration in climbing towards success.
Create three virtual columns: 'Seeds to Plant', 'Heavy Loads to Shed', and 'Soaring Strategies'. Clarify the purpose of each.
Individually, team members brainstorm and add contributions under each column. Use a timer to keep the pace (5–10 min).
As a group, discuss each entry in the columns. Combine duplicate ideas and clarify insights if needed.
Next, vote to prioritize points that have the highest impact under each column. Discuss actionable steps for the prioritized items.
Summarize the discussion outcomes and finalize the action items. Assign owners and set deadlines.
Close the session with a quick round of feedback or appreciation to foster team morale.
Pro Tips
Use visuals like tree or mountain imagery to create a more engaging environment.
Encourage team members to share not only work-related but interpersonal insights under each category.
Set a time limit for discussion to ensure the retrospective remains on schedule.
Guide the conversation to focus on actionable items rather than general observations.
Promote a safe environment where team members feel comfortable discussing challenges.
FAQ
How do you manage time effectively during this retro?
Allocate specific time limits for brainstorming, discussion, and finalizing actions. Use a timer to ensure adherence.
What if the team finds it hard to suggest actionable ideas for a column?
Facilitate with prompting questions relevant to each theme to guide brainstorming.
What can be done if participants focus heavily on one column and neglect others?
Gently redirect attention by emphasizing the balance needed to gain a complete perspective.
How do you handle disagreements in the 'Heavy Loads to Shed' column?
Encourage open discussion and look for consensus, focusing on the impact stated problems have on the team's progress.
At a glance
- Duration
45-60 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