Start, Stop, Continue, Change
Let's reflect on our workflow: identify what to begin, what to halt, what to keep, and what to adjust, aligning with agile's inspect‑adapt cycle.
Template Columns
Start
Ideas and actions we should begin to improve our process.
Base column: StartStop
Practices that hinder progress and should be discontinued.
Base column: StopContinue
Effective habits we want to maintain moving forward.
Base column: ContinueChange
Elements that need modification for better outcomes.
Base column: ChangeAbout this template
A quick, four‑column retrospective that surfaces what to start, stop, continue, and change in the team’s workflow.
When to use this template
Use when you need a balanced view of new ideas, existing strengths, and needed adjustments, especially after a sprint or project phase.
How to facilitate
Introduce the four columns and explain the purpose of the exercise
Give each participant 5 minutes to write silent, individual ideas on virtual sticky notes for each column
Collect the notes on the shared board and group similar items under Start, Stop, Continue, and Change
Facilitate a brief discussion of each column in the order Start, Stop, Continue, Change, allowing participants to clarify and expand on items
Conduct dot voting or a quick poll to prioritize the top items in each column
Define concrete actions for the highest‑voted items, assign owners, and set due dates
Pro Tips
Limit each participant to three items per column to keep the board focused and discussion manageable
Start with silent brainstorming to avoid groupthink and ensure all voices are heard
Use colored stickers or emojis to differentiate quick wins from longer‑term changes
FAQ
How many items should we aim for in each column?
Aim for 5–8 well‑thought‑out items per column; fewer high‑impact items are better than a long list of low‑value ideas.
What if the team disagrees on a “Stop” item?
Facilitate a short root‑cause discussion to surface concerns, then vote on whether the practice truly hinders progress before deciding to stop it.
How do we turn “Change” ideas into actionable steps?
After voting, break each change into a specific action, assign a responsible owner, and set a clear deadline or sprint goal.
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At a glance
- Duration
45–60 min
- Team Size
4-12 people
- Columns
4 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue, Change
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective