Four Ls (4Ls) Retrospective

Four Ls Retrospective

The Four Ls, encompassing Liked, Learned, Lacked, and Longed for, present a structured approach for teams to evaluate their practices and experiences. This format encourages a comprehensive reflection, ensuring that teams recognize their strengths while also identifying areas for growth.

When to Choose Four Ls

The Four Ls retrospective is suitable for teams seeking a clear and methodical review of their progress. It's especially beneficial at the end of significant milestones or projects, ensuring that teams appreciate their achievements while also setting clear objectives for future improvement.

❤️ Liked

What delighted you?

Highlight the practices or moments that positively impacted the team, acknowledging what went well.

🎓 Learned

What new insight was learned?

Discuss the insights and knowledge gained, ensuring that the team carries these learnings forward.

😢 Lacked

What was missing or could have been better?

Identify areas where there might have been gaps or where the team feels there's room for improvement.

🙏 Longed for

What change do you really wish for?

Express aspirations and changes that the team believes would enhance their workflow or overall experience.

---

The Four Ls retrospective format ensures that teams have a balanced view of their performance, fostering both acknowledgment of successes and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Start a Four Ls Retro View all retro templates

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Four Ls retrospective template?

The Four Ls (Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed for) is a structured retrospective template that helps teams reflect on their recent work by examining four key dimensions. This format combines positive reflections (Liked, Learned) with constructive feedback (Lacked, Longed for), creating a balanced view of team performance and opportunities for improvement.

When should you use the Four Ls retrospective template?

Use the Four Ls retrospective template when your team needs a comprehensive yet straightforward way to review their work. This format is particularly effective at the end of significant milestones, project completions, or sprint cycles. The template works well when you want to celebrate achievements while also identifying specific gaps and aspirations for future improvements.

How do you run a Four Ls retrospective meeting effectively?

To run an effective Four Ls retrospective, follow these steps:

• Set the stage - Use a mood check-in to gauge team sentiment, then explain the four categories (Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed for)
• Brainstorm - Give 5-10 minutes for individual brainstorming with icebreaker music. Team members add items to the four columns anonymously for psychological safety
• Group and sort - Group and sort similar items together
• Discuss and vote - Review grouped items and vote to prioritize the most important insights
• Create action items - For top-voted items, assign owners and set deadlines for concrete next steps
• Share summary - Export and share the retro summary with the team

The session typically takes 45-60 minutes. Focus on celebrating achievements (Liked, Learned) while addressing gaps (Lacked) and aspirations (Longed for).

What makes a good Four Ls retrospective question or discussion?

Good Four Ls retrospective discussions focus on specific examples rather than generalizations:

• Liked - Celebrate concrete achievements and positive behaviors
• Learned - Share actionable insights that can be applied to future work
• Lacked - Identify specific gaps without blaming individuals
• Longed for - Express realistic aspirations that can become action items

Encourage team members to be specific, constructive, and forward-thinking in their contributions to make the retrospective actionable.

What are the benefits of using the Four Ls retrospective template?

The Four Ls retrospective template offers several key benefits:

• Balanced reflection - Covering both positives and areas for improvement
• Explicit learning capture - The "Learned" dimension ensures knowledge is documented
• Future-focused thinking - The "Longed for" dimension encourages aspirational planning
• Ease of facilitation - Clear structure makes it accessible for new facilitators

This template creates psychological safety by balancing positive and constructive feedback, making it easier for teams to have honest conversations about their work.

What are some alternatives to the Four Ls retrospective template?

If you're looking for different retrospective formats and templates, consider these alternatives:

• DAKI retrospective - When your team needs more action-oriented decisions rather than learning capture
• Mad Sad Glad - When team emotions and morale need direct attention before process improvements
• Sailboat retrospective - When creative metaphors help your team think strategically about long-term goals

Each format serves different team needs beyond balanced learning reflection.