Thanksgiving Retro

A savory way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday!

Designed to foster a positive atmosphere, this Sprint Retrospective template introduces a flavorful approach to team reflection with its five core components inspired by the Thanksgiving feast.

Why and when should you use this Thanksgiving retrospective format?

The Thanksgiving Retro format proves beneficial when a team aims to infuse a positive and festive ambiance into their Sprint retrospective. With its emphasis on gratitude and celebration, this format creates an environment where team members feel encouraged to openly share reflections, fostering a more engaging and collaborative atmosphere.

Of course, this approach is particularly apt during the Thanksgiving holiday season, as it aligns with the festive spirit and allows teams to celebrate successes and express gratitude in a culturally resonant manner. 

Beyond Sprint Retrospectives, this Thanksgiving activity can also be strategically implemented during team bonding events or casual gatherings. This thematic retrospective serves as an engaging activity that combines reflection with a sense of camaraderie, contributing to a positive team culture.

In essence, the Thanksgiving Retro format is a versatile and impactful choice for teams looking to enrich their retrospective experiences by integrating cultural significance, celebration, and a touch of gratitude into their agile practices.

How does the Thanksgiving retrospective work?

Delve into holistic reflection with these carefully crafted questions:

1. Roast Turkey: What did you enjoy during the Sprint?

Celebrate successes and enjoyable aspects of the Sprint that brought joy and satisfaction to your team.

Example: Our team successfully implemented a new feature that garnered positive user feedback, showcasing our collective skill and effort.

2. Brussels Sprouts: What could have been avoided?

Identify challenges or obstacles that, in hindsight, could have been mitigated for a smoother Sprint experience.

Example: A miscommunication during sprint planning led to delays. With clearer communication, we could have avoided this setback.

3. Cranberry Sauce: How could we improve the quality of our work?

Focus on improving the overall quality of the team's output and processes.

Example: Implementing code reviews and testing earlier in the process can enhance the overall quality of our deliverables and reduce post-deployment issues.

4. Pumpkin Pie: What are you looking forward to?

Encourage team members to share their aspirations and what they anticipate in the upcoming Sprint.

Example: Looking forward, we are excited to explore innovative solutions for an upcoming project, leveraging the skills we've developed during this Sprint.

5. Celebrating Together: What are you thankful for?

Foster a positive team culture by expressing gratitude and acknowledging each other's contributions.

Example: Gratitude is extended to the support team whose timely assistance allowed us to address a critical issue promptly, ensuring project success.