The Four Seasons

This retrospective format helps people open up and discuss their feelings about the last iteration.

What is this template?

"The Four Seasons" template is a simple activity designed to help your team run an effective retrospective session. 

Imagine it as a tailored journey through the seasons, where Spring signifies growth, Summer radiates brilliance, Autumn embodies change, and Winter reflects on challenges. 

How does the Four Seasons retrospective work?

🌱 Spring - What's been growing, blooming?

Encourage team members to reflect on areas of progress and growth, highlighting newly acquired skills, successful methodologies, or individual achievements that have flourished.

e.g., We adopted a new project management tool, which resulted in improved task organization and more streamlined collaboration.

☀️ Summer - What's been shining, sparkling?

Direct the team's attention to exceptional moments of brilliance, recognizing outstanding performances, successful project deliveries, and instances where team members have shone brightly.

e.g., A team member's exceptional problem-solving skills led to a successful resolution during a challenging phase.

🍂 Autumn - What's been evolving, changing?

This phase offers a platform for team members to delve into elements that are reaching a conclusion. Participants explore observed transitions and transformations, discussing notable shifts in the team's atmosphere.

e.g., As John left our team, we had the privilege of welcoming Mary to the team. We're thrilled to have her with us.

⛄ Winter - What's been slowing, chilling?

Prompt participants to address challenges and slowdowns by identifying external factors or dependencies that caused delays.

e.g., External dependencies caused delays, prompting the team to strategize for smoother collaboration.