The Stranded Pirates Ashore retrospective invites your team to reflect on the recent journey using a playful pirate theme, surfacing highlights, missed opportunities, and frustrations for open discussion and future action.

When to use this template

This format works best after eventful sprints or challenging projects that stirred strong emotions and where team morale or engagement could use a boost.

How to facilitate

Set the scene by welcoming the crew and explaining the pirate theme, encouraging everyone to share honestly and playfully.

Introduce the three columns: Buried Booty for highlights, Forgotten Oases for missed opportunities or things you wish went better, and Sandstorm Squalls for frustrations.

Give team members time to add notes to each column and remind them to keep feedback constructive and specific.

Invite crew members to review all notes, asking clarifying questions if needed in the chat or aloud.

Facilitate a group discussion, focusing on patterns or surprising finds in each column, and help the team empathize with each other's experiences.

Work together to identify action items or improvements based on the discussion, assigning responsibilities where appropriate.

Close by highlighting the team's resilience and celebrating collective wins uncovered during the session.

Pro Tips

Lean into the pirate theme with language and visuals to break the ice, but allow participants to opt out of roleplay if it feels forced.

Encourage quieter crew members to contribute anonymously to ensure all voices are heard.

Use timeboxes per column to keep energy high and the session focused.

Have a post-retro check-in to ensure action items move forward between retrospectives.

FAQ

What if team members struggle with the pirate theme?

Allow the theme to be as light-hearted or minimal as the group prefers—focus on the reflective purpose if the theme feels awkward.

How do we handle negative feedback in 'Sandstorm Squalls'?

Model respectful communication, remind the crew to be solution-oriented, and address tough topics constructively as a team.

Can this template be used for non-sprint reviews?

Yes, it's effective after any project cycle or when you need a fresh, engaging way to discuss team experiences.

Want a custom template?

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At a glance

Duration
45–60 min
Team Size
4-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Glad, Sad, Mad

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

🏴‍☠️🗺️ Stranded Pirates Ashore

Avast, crew! We've found ourselves marooned on dry land—no seas in sight! Let’s reflect on our adventure, share the treasures (highlights), missed tides (lows), and brewing tempests (frustrations) as we chart a course back to greatness.

Template Columns

🌞 Buried Booty

🏝️ Forgotten Oases

🌪️ Sandstorm Squalls

About this template