🔧 Spare Parts Workshop

Welcome to our retro garage! Just like mechanics tuning an engine, let’s discuss which ‘parts’ to add, remove, or keep in our agile workflow for peak performance.
45–60 min
4-12 people
Based on: Start, Stop, Continue
🔧 Spare Parts Workshop
Template Columns
🛠️ Start Assembling New Parts

Share ideas for new practices or tools to add to our workflow so our project runs smoother.

Base column: Start
🗑️ Remove Worn-Out Components

Identify habits or processes that are slowing us down and are ready for the scrap heap.

Base column: Stop
🔩 Keep Reliable Gear Spinning

Highlight existing strengths and routines that keep our engine humming—let’s keep them going!

Base column: Continue
About this template

The Spare Parts Workshop retrospective uses a mechanical metaphor to help teams identify practices to add, remove, or retain for optimal workflow performance.

When to use this template

Use this format after completing a major project cycle or when your team feels stuck in old routines and wants to power up effectiveness.

How to facilitate
1

Set the stage by introducing the mechanical metaphor, encouraging the team to think of your workflow like a machine needing maintenance.

2

Explain the three columns: Start Assembling New Parts (add new ideas or tools), Remove Worn-Out Components (stop ineffective habits), and Keep Reliable Gear Spinning (continue what works).

3

Invite everyone to add their thoughts to each column in silent brainstorming mode, setting a clear timer for focused thinking.

4

Review each column together, grouping similar ideas and clarifying intent if needed.

5

Facilitate an open discussion to prioritize which actions to add, remove, or keep, probing for concrete examples and impacts.

6

Agree on specific action steps and assign owners and follow-up timelines for new items or improvements.

7

Close the retro with quick feedback on the session and confirm understanding of next actions.

Pro Tips

Use the car workshop metaphor actively during the session to make discussion points memorable and engaging.

Encourage the team to back up suggestions with recent examples to clarify why a practice should be added, removed, or kept.

Assign a timekeeper to gently keep the group moving, especially during open discussion, to leave enough time for action planning.

Invite quieter team members to add sticky notes or comments before group discussion to ensure all voices are heard.

FAQ
What if the team can't agree on which practices to remove?

Focus first on low-risk changes and pilot removing a habit for a limited time. Gather feedback before making a permanent decision.

How can we ensure new parts (practices) actually get implemented?

Assign clear owners for each new action and set check-in points for follow-up in future standups or retrospectives.

What if the team has trouble coming up with new ideas for 'assembling new parts'?

Prompt the team with recent challenges or areas where efficiency dropped. You can also review top practices from other teams for inspiration.

At a glance
  • Duration

    45–60 min

  • Team Size

    4-12 people

  • Columns

    3 columns

  • Base Format

    Start, Stop, Continue

Tags
workflow improvement
agile teams
continuous improvement
team reflection
action-oriented
process tuning
innovation
Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective