Stand-Up Standout turns your retro into a playful revue—teams celebrate successes, acknowledge what’s not working, and pitch new ideas, all with a comedic twist.

When to use this template

Use this format when your team needs to lighten the mood, recharge energy, or break the routine after a challenging or high-pressure sprint. It's especially effective for teams open to creative reflection and fun.

How to facilitate

Kick off with a brief warm-up—invite everyone to share a funny or memorable moment from the last sprint.

Explain the three columns and encourage everyone to approach each section with openness and good humor.

Set a 5–7 minute timer for quiet reflection where team members add their notes to each column: new ideas for 'New Material to Debut', things to drop under 'Jokes That Fell Flat', and what’s working under 'Keep the Comedy Gold'.

Review the stickies as a group. Invite elaboration from the author or ad-lib a little for extra laughs when sharing items, keeping things light yet constructive.

Group similar items and prioritize themes. Facilitate a discussion on what changes or actions would make the biggest difference.

Close with a quick round: What was the funniest or most surprising insight today? End on a high note.

Pro Tips

Lean into the comedy theme to loosen up the team and encourage more honest feedback.

Use visual or sound effects, such as applause or 'comedy club' imagery, to create a fun atmosphere.

As facilitator, model vulnerability and levity—share your own 'jokes that fell flat.'

Balance humor with actionable outcomes to ensure the retro drives improvement, not just laughs.

FAQ

How do I keep the retro focused and not just a joke session?

Guide the conversation so humor leads to honest insights. Remind everyone the goal is team learning and improvement.

What if some team members aren’t comfortable with humor?

Set the tone as inclusive and gentle. Invite everyone to contribute at their comfort level, and model respectful, light-hearted sharing.

Can this retro work if the sprint was stressful or unsuccessful?

Absolutely—humor can help process disappointment and spark creative solutions, as long as the discussion stays constructive.

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At a glance

Duration
35–50 min
Team Size
4-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

😂 Stand-Up Standout

Step into the comedy club of agile! Let’s laugh at our slip-ups, spotlight our winning punchlines, and riff on how to keep this show rolling smoother. Get ready for a retrospective that brings smiles and insight!

Template Columns

🎤 New Material to Debut

⛔️ Jokes That Fell Flat

⭐ Keep the Comedy Gold

About this template