The Swiftie Session retrospective invites your team to reflect on recent work with a Taylor Swift twist—celebrating achievements, letting go of challenges, and building new strategies for your next sprint.

When to use this template

Use this format to infuse energy and creativity into regular retros, especially when your team needs a morale boost or wants a fresh, fun way to review progress.

How to facilitate

Welcome the team with a brief introduction to the theme and explain each column.

Set the scene with a quick lighthearted icebreaker tied to Taylor Swift (for example, ask everyone to name their favorite song or lyric).

Give team members a few quiet minutes to individually add thoughts in each column: Begin a New Era (start), Shake It Off (stop), Keep the Magic (continue).

Invite everyone to read through the items posted, grouping similar themes together to spot patterns.

Lead a focused discussion on each column, encouraging sharing, clarification, and insights.

Collaboratively prioritize key action items—what new practices to start, what to stop, and which strengths to preserve.

Close with a fun round, such as choosing a “team anthem” or highlight for the sprint ahead.

Pro Tips

Amplify engagement by adding themed playlists or backgrounds to set the mood in your online session.

Reference recent team wins or challenges using ‘hit single’ analogies to make discussions memorable.

Rotate facilitation or let each team member present an item in their own style for added creativity and ownership.

FAQ

What if my team isn’t familiar with Taylor Swift?

That’s okay! Use the theme as a playful context, but focus on the intent behind each section. The fun references can spark creativity regardless of music preferences.

How do I keep the session focused and productive with such a playful theme?

Balance fun with purpose by clearly framing the goal of each column and setting timeboxes for each segment. Use the theme to energize—not distract from—reflection.

Can this format work for serious project retrospectives?

Yes. The themed language adds levity, but the columns are grounded in classic reflection categories, making it suitable for any type of project review.

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At a glance

Duration
45–60 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

🎤✨ Swiftie Session

Join us for a Taylor Swift-inspired retrospective—look back at our project’s greatest hits, shake off the setbacks, and plan for our next chart-topping sprint! Let’s make our team even more legendary.

Template Columns

🪩 Begin a New Era

🚫 Shake It Off

💖 Keep the Magic

About this template