🌟✨ Tangled Tower Tales
Let down your hair and climb into a world of discovery! In this Tangled-inspired retro, we’ll explore our project like Rapunzel, illuminating what brightened our path, tangled our plans, and where the lanterns should keep shining.
Template Columns
🎨 Paint New Dreams (Start)
Share fresh ideas and actions we should begin, just like Rapunzel starting her journey outside the tower.
Base column: Start🔗 Cut the Tangles (Stop)
Identify blockers or habits we should let go of, as Rapunzel leaves behind what kept her stuck.
Base column: Stop🏮 Let the Lanterns Fly (Continue)
Celebrate the positive practices that light our way and should keep glowing, like the floating lanterns.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
Tangled Tower Tales is a playful, story-inspired retrospective that helps teams reflect on new ideas, persistent blockers, and winning practices using the themes of journey, discovery, and celebration.
When to use this template
Use this retrospective when your team needs a fresh perspective or a morale boost—especially after a challenging sprint, project milestone, or when you sense some creative stagnation.
How to facilitate
Welcome the team and introduce the Tangled Tower Tales theme, briefly explaining the meaning of each column to set the mood for exploration and storytelling.
Set a timer and ask team members to reflect individually, then add notes to each column: new ideas to 'Paint New Dreams', blockers to 'Cut the Tangles', and positives to 'Let the Lanterns Fly'.
Invite everyone to review all notes, grouping similar ideas and clarifying where needed through brief discussions to ensure shared understanding.
Facilitate a conversation around each column, prompting the team to identify actionable steps for new dreams, vote on top tangles to cut, and celebrate lantern-worthy practices.
Wrap up by summarizing action items and celebrate shared wins, encouraging each person to share one takeaway or commitment inspired by Rapunzel’s adventurous spirit.
Pro Tips
Use visual or story-based prompts to spark creative contributions, especially for the 'Paint New Dreams' column.
Encourage storytelling—invite team members to connect each point to a sprint or project moment to make learning memorable.
Maintain an upbeat, open vibe to foster psychological safety, especially when tackling difficult tangles.
Celebrate small wins distinctively in 'Let the Lanterns Fly' to reinforce positive behaviors and boost morale.
FAQ
How do I help the team go beyond obvious answers in each column?
Use prompts or ask 'what else' several times. Share your own creative or personal stories to encourage deeper, more meaningful contributions.
How do we make sure action items are followed up after the retro?
Assign clear owners and agree on timelines before closing. Follow up in your next team sync or check-in to reinforce accountability.
What if the fairy tale theme feels too light for serious issues?
Balance fun with focus: acknowledge the theme is a framework, but make space for honest, direct discussions about real challenges and solutions.
At a glance
- Duration
40–60 min
- Team Size
4-10 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective