🧟♂️🚶♀️ Zombie Parade
Join the undead march as we dissect our sprint: spot the fresh bites (Start), avoid the brain‑draining traps (Stop), and keep the rhythm alive (Continue).
Template Columns
🧟♂️⚡️ Spawn New Strategies
Identify fresh initiatives to kick‑off the next sprint, like new undead tactics.
Base column: Start✋🧟♀️ Halt the Rot
Pinpoint practices that are dragging the horde down and should be stopped.
Base column: Stop🔁🧟♂️ Keep the March
Highlight successful rituals that keep the parade moving forward.
Base column: ContinueAbout this template
A fun, zombie‑themed Start‑Stop‑Continue retrospective that surfaces new ideas, discards dead weight, and reinforces winning practices.
When to use this template
Use when the team needs a fresh, energizing take on the classic Start‑Stop‑Continue format, especially after a hectic sprint.
How to facilitate
Set the stage by reminding the team of the zombie parade theme and the purpose of each column
Give each participant 3–5 virtual sticky notes and ask them to write down items for Spawn New Strategies (Start) that would help the horde succeed
Collect and cluster the notes on the board, then discuss each cluster and vote on the most compelling new strategies
Repeat the process for Halt the Rot (Stop), encouraging honest identification of practices that drain energy and prioritize the top three to eliminate
Capture Keep the March (Continue) items, celebrate the successes, and turn the top picks into concrete SMART actions
Pro Tips
Use a timer for each column to keep energy high and prevent over‑analysis
Encourage zombie‑themed verbs (e.g., “infect the backlog”) to keep the mood playful yet focused
After voting, convert the top items into SMART action items before closing the retro
FAQ
What if the team is unfamiliar with the zombie theme?
Briefly explain the metaphor as a fun framing device; the underlying Start‑Stop‑Continue questions remain the same.
How do we handle a large number of items?
Group similar notes during clustering and limit voting to three items per column to keep discussion focused.
What if some members hesitate to share negative feedback in the Stop column?
Assure psychological safety, allow anonymous digital notes, and remind the team that stopping harmful practices benefits everyone.
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At a glance
- Duration
45–60 min
- Team Size
5-12 people
- Columns
3 columns
- Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective