🛸 X-files Investigation
Welcome, agents! Uncover the mysteries within our sprint through the secrets of the X-files. Examine what’s out there, investigate what to change, and reveal the truths to improve our teamwork. The truth (and a better process) is out there!
Template Columns
🔦 New Clues to Uncover
Suggest new experiments or practices to start, just like following fresh leads in a case.
Base column: Start👽 Strange Phenomena to Close
Identify unhelpful habits, inefficiencies, or mysteries to stop or eliminate from our process.
Base column: Stop🗂️ Trusted Casework
Highlight routines or practices that have proven useful and should continue, like reliable evidence in an investigation.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
The X-files Investigation retrospective invites teams to uncover hidden insights and optimize their workflow by exploring new ideas, discontinuing odd practices, and recognizing proven habits.
When to use this template
Use this template at the end of a sprint or project phase when the team feels stuck, craves a fresh perspective, or wants to reinvigorate its reflection process.
How to facilitate
Introduce the X-files theme to frame the session as an investigation into your working methods, setting a tone of curiosity.
Guide team members to reflect and add notes under each column: new clues (suggestions to start), strange phenomena (things to stop), and trusted casework (practices to continue).
Allow time for everyone to read and group similar items within each column to clarify themes and hotspots.
Open a structured discussion, focusing first on 'new clues' to generate energy and then 'strange phenomena' for improvement opportunities.
Review 'trusted casework', recognizing team strengths and celebrating what's working well.
Facilitate voting or prioritization to select key action items or experiments for the next sprint.
Conclude with a brief reflection on the session and ensure actionable items have clear owners.
Pro Tips
Use narrative prompts or playful examples to help teammates think outside the box and dig deeper for new insights.
Encourage specific observations over vague statements, especially when highlighting 'strange phenomena'.
Acknowledge patterns in 'trusted casework' to reinforce good behaviors the team may otherwise take for granted.
FAQ
What if team members hesitate to share unusual observations?
Set the tone that all ideas (even offbeat ones) are valuable, and use the playful theme to lower barriers to honesty.
How can we make sure action items are followed through?
Assign a clear owner for each action during the session and check in at the next retrospective to review progress.
What if too many topics get added to the board?
Group similar items together, then vote as a team to focus on a manageable number of impactful actions.
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At a glance
- Duration
40–55 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