Chinese New Year
Let's celebrate the Chinese New Year - or Lunar New Year - with this creative and original retrospective idea.
What are the Chinese New Year Celebrations?
The Chinese New Year celebrations, also known as the Spring Festival, are traditional Chinese festivities that mark the beginning of the lunar new year.
The celebration period, approximately 15 days long, is characterized by festive family gatherings, abundant meals, auspicious red decorations, parades featuring dancing dragons and lions, spectacular fireworks, the exchange of red envelopes containing money, and the Lantern Festival that concludes the festivities.
These celebrations aim to ward off evil spirits, bring luck, and symbolize renewal and prosperity for the new year.
Chinese New Year celebrations are observed worldwide, primarily in regions and communities where Chinese culture is present. The festivities are particularly grand in China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other Asian countries.
Due to the Chinese diaspora, many large cities around the world also host lively celebrations, especially in Chinatown districts and Asian communities.
What is the Chinese New Year Retrospective Template?
This Chinese New Year-themed retrospective idea introduces a unique approach to strengthening your team dynamics while honoring Chinese culture.
This adventure allows your team first to highlight traditions that bring positivity to the team.
Next, each person can express their fears, personified here by the monster Nian. Fortunately, legend has it that Nian also fears the color red, fire, and loud noises. Thus, participants must imagine concrete ways to combat the team's fears.
Finally, resembling the very popular red envelopes exchanged in China, team members will share good wishes within the team. This is followed by the ultimate Lantern Festival, allowing each participant to share one thing that would elevate their happiness within the group.
How Does this Chinese New Year Retrospective Work?
This retrospective format is divided into 5 elements:
🍜 Reunion Dinner - What are our team habits - or traditions - that work well?
Reflect on effective team habits or traditions that contribute to a positive work environment and enhance collaboration.
Example: Our monthly "Knowledge Share" sessions foster collaboration and continuous learning, strengthening our team bond.
🐉 Nian, the Horrible Monster - What Are Your Fears?
Identify and openly share your fears. It could be related to daily work challenges, external threats to the team, or other aspects you perceive as "monsters" to face.
Example: I have concerns about excessive workload and its impact on the team's mental well-being.
🎆 Scare the Monster! - How to Combat Our Fears?
Propose strategies and solutions to overcome identified fears. Encourage reflection on how the team can collaborate to face these "monsters" and foster a collaborative environment emphasizing mutual support.
Example: Let's organize workshops on stress management and encourage mutual support within the team.
🧧 Red Envelopes - Share Good Wishes with the team.
Express positive wishes for your colleagues and the team as a whole. Whether for professional success, health, or other aspirations, share wishes that contribute to a positive atmosphere.
Example: May we continue to grow together as a team and successfully overcome all challenges that come our way.
🏮 Lantern Festival - Is There One Thing That Could Make You Happier in the Team?
Reflect on what could improve your working conditions or the team dynamics. The important thing is to share wishes that would positively impact both yourself and the team.
Example: Exploring continuous training opportunities for professional development would be an excellent addition.