This Halo-themed retrospective helps your team analyze what to start, stop, and continue for stronger collaboration, inspired by the alliance of Masterchief and the Arbiter.

When to use this template

Use this format when your team needs to resolve conflicts, strengthen alliances, or wants a fresh, gamified take on classic Start-Stop-Continue retros.

How to facilitate

Open with a brief welcome and explain the Halo-inspired theme to build excitement and set a collaborative tone.

Review the meaning of each column—Activate New Protocols for new actions, Cease Friendly Fire for things to stop, and Maintain Shield Harmony for positives to keep.

Give team members focused time to add notes to each column, encouraging honest reflections and cross-role perspectives.

Invite the team to cluster similar points and clarify any unfamiliar items together for shared understanding.

Discuss each column, especially any conflicts or blockers, prioritizing open communication and mutual support.

Brainstorm together to agree on concrete action items, with clear owners for new 'protocols' and commitments on 'ceasefires.'

Close by celebrating cooperation wins and energizing the team for the next mission.

Pro Tips

Use gaming analogies and humor to keep energy high and lower barriers for candid feedback.

Encourage quieter team members to contribute early by offering turns to each person during the idea-sharing phase.

Bring real examples of 'protocols' or 'shield harmony' to reinforce context and inspire participation.

Keep a visual scoreboard of agreed 'protocols' versus 'ceasefires' to help track progress in future retrospectives.

FAQ

What if someone is unfamiliar with Halo or the theme?

Give a quick overview and clarify the analogy—it's about overcoming differences and working together, not Halo knowledge. Anyone can participate fully.

How do we keep the discussion balanced between positives and negatives?

Guide the conversation to spend equal time on each column. Encourage the team to value both what went well and what needs change.

What if the same issues keep coming up in 'Cease Friendly Fire'?

Use this as a signal to dig deeper. Assign a specific action owner or break the challenge into smaller steps in your action plan.

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At a glance

Duration
35–50 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

🛡️⚔️ The Masterchief and the Arbiter Alliance

Suit up, Spartans and Elites! In this Halo-inspired retrospective, channel cooperation between unlikely allies to identify wins, resolve conflicts, and strategize for mission success. Ready to finish the fight, team? Let’s make our next sprint legendary!

Template Columns

🔫 Activate New Protocols

🚫 Cease Friendly Fire

🟢 Maintain Shield Harmony

About this template