💍 RINGS OF POWER QUEST
Embark on an epic journey through Middle-earth! Like forging the Rings of Power, let's reflect on what new strengths to forge, which dark habits to cast into Mount Doom, and what heroic deeds to continue on our agile adventure.
Template Columns
🔥 Forge New Powers (Start)
Suggest fresh practices or improvements we should begin, just like crafting a new ring of strength.
Base column: Start🌋 Cast into Mount Doom (Stop)
Reveal the habits or obstacles we must discard to protect our fellowship and project.
Base column: Stop🛡️ Heroic Virtues (Continue)
Share the ongoing actions and strengths that should remain part of our team's legend.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Rings of Power Quest retrospective uses a fantasy theme to help teams identify new strengths, eliminate harmful habits, and celebrate ongoing successes. It’s perfect for teams seeking a creative and engaging approach to agile reflection.
When to use this template
Use this template when your team needs fresh energy, especially at significant milestones or after an intense project phase. It’s ideal when creativity or team morale could use a boost.
How to facilitate
Open by setting the theme: invite everyone to imagine themselves as heroes on a quest across Middle-earth and explain the meaning of each column.
Give team members a few minutes of silent individual reflection to come up with ideas for each column: what new strengths to forge, old habits to cast away, and heroic actions to continue.
Ask everyone to add their notes to the corresponding columns in Kollabe, encouraging thoughtful and specific contributions.
Once ideas are posted, read through them together. Group similar themes and clarify any unclear points as a team.
Facilitate a team discussion: explore which new ideas excite the group most, acknowledge patterns in what needs to stop, and highlight the celebrated strengths.
Decide on 1-3 actionable improvements or experiments to pursue from the Forge New Powers column, and agree on steps to address obstacles cast into Mount Doom.
End by summarizing key action items and encouraging the team to embrace the spirit of their quest moving forward.
Pro Tips
Add a fantasy twist by using character names or referencing Middle-earth during the session to make it more fun and memorable.
Invite quieter team members to share first to ensure everyone’s voice is heard before louder voices join in.
Before wrapping up, check if any items in the Heroic Virtues column can mentor or support changes from the Forge New Powers column.
Capture a screenshot of the board and share it as a light-hearted reminder of your ‘quest’.
Rotate the facilitator role each time to keep the ritual fresh and inclusive.
FAQ
What if team members aren’t familiar with the Middle-earth theme?
Explain the concept in simple terms and assure the team that anyone can participate regardless of their knowledge—the fantasy angle is just for fun.
What if the stop column (Mount Doom) has negative or sensitive items?
Handle all feedback respectfully and without assigning blame. Use neutral facilitation to keep the atmosphere supportive and solutions-focused.
How do we turn the new powers (start) ideas into actions?
Agree as a team on 1-3 new practices to trial, assign clear owners, and check in on progress at the next retrospective.
At a glance
- Duration
40–55 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