🤣 The Comedy Club
Step into our virtual comedy club, where every sprint is a stand-up set! Share what jokes (ideas) we should keep, which to stop, and what new punchlines (actions) to try for a funnier, more effective team.
Template Columns
🎤 New Material to Try
Suggest fresh approaches or habits we should start adding to our team’s comedy routine.
Base column: Start🛑 Boring Gags to Drop
Highlight practices or behaviors that no longer make us laugh or help, so we can stop them.
Base column: Stop😂 Keep the Laughs Rolling
Point out the routines and habits that have our team in stitches and should continue.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The Comedy Club retrospective uses humor as a lens, inviting the team to reflect on practices to start, stop, or continue, making improvement both fun and memorable.
When to use this template
Use this format after a challenging or intense sprint to lighten the mood, boost engagement, and inspire open, honest feedback in a creative way.
How to facilitate
Welcome the team and set the scene by inviting everyone to the Comedy Club, emphasizing that all feedback can be playful and constructive
Briefly explain the three columns and encourage the team to use humor when adding their thoughts to each area
Allow 5-7 minutes for everyone to submit cards anonymously, aiming for at least one entry per column
Review submissions as a group, reading them aloud and letting the team appreciate the funny (and insightful) contributions
Facilitate a discussion to identify patterns, clarify suggestions, and highlight unexpectedly valuable ideas
Vote as a group on which ideas to prioritize for action, focusing especially on new material to try and boring gags to drop
Wrap up by confirming clear action items and acknowledging standout contributions that captured the spirit of the Comedy Club
Pro Tips
Encourage everyone to use light-hearted language—it can break down barriers and make feedback easier to share
Balance fun with focus so that humor sparks creative thinking but doesn’t distract from actionable outcomes
If team members are shy, kickstart with your own funny or self-deprecating example to model vulnerability
Capture memorable quotes or especially funny moments to include in the sprint summary or team chat
FAQ
What if someone isn't comfortable sharing jokes or using humor?
Reassure the team that it's not about being a comedian—any feedback is welcome, and playful language is just one way to make it easier.
How do we keep the tone productive without getting too silly?
Remind everyone that humor is the lens, but the goal is still honest reflection and continuous improvement. Stay focused on actionable takeaways.
Can this format work for serious or high-pressure projects?
Yes—when handled with care, humor can actually diffuse tension and make conversations about tough topics safer.
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At a glance
- Duration
35–45 min
- Team Size
3-10 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective