The Stormy Weather Retrospective helps teams reflect on recent challenges and successes by examining what strategies to start, stop, and continue to stay resilient. Its storm-themed structure fosters open dialogue about positive anchors, turbulent blockers, and new ideas for smoother collaboration.

When to use this template

Use this retrospective at the end of a challenging sprint, after significant project changes, or when your team needs to reset following setbacks or high stress.

How to facilitate

Welcome everyone and introduce the stormy weather metaphor, encouraging an open mindset for honest reflection.

Review the three columns: Start Setting Sail Strategies for new approaches, Stop Chasing Thunderclouds for habits to leave behind, and Continue Holding Steady for valued practices.

Provide time for silent brainstorming where each team member adds thoughts to each column.

Invite participants to cluster similar ideas within columns and briefly discuss recurring themes or surprising patterns.

Guide the team in prioritizing top actions from each column, focusing especially on what will create the calmest future sprints.

Create clear action items, assigning owners and timelines for next steps based on what to start, stop, and continue.

End the session by acknowledging team strengths and encouraging shared ownership of the commitments made.

Pro Tips

Frame the discussion using real examples from the past sprint to keep insights grounded.

Encourage quieter voices by inviting everyone to share at least one thought in each column.

Treat stormy moments as learning opportunities rather than failures or blame.

Allow space for humor or metaphors about 'stormy' experiences to make vulnerability safer.

FAQ

What if the team focuses only on negatives in the 'stormy' sections?

Balance the conversation by ensuring each column, especially the 'Continue', gets equal time and recognition for positive practices.

How can we turn broad 'Start' ideas into realistic actions?

Ask follow-up questions to clarify suggestions, then break big ideas into small, actionable steps with accountable owners.

What if all blockers feel external or unchangeable?

Guide discussion to what the team can control, even if that's just communication or responding differently to challenges.

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At a glance

Duration
40–55 min
Team Size
4-12 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

⛈️🌬️ Stormy Weather Retrospective

Brave the winds and rains of our sprint in this stormy weather retro! Let’s uncover the practices that kept us anchored, those that rocked our boat, and set a course toward clearer skies in our project journey.

Template Columns

🌧️ Start Setting Sail Strategies

🌪️ Stop Chasing Thunderclouds

⚓ Continue Holding Steady

About this template