Start Stop Continue Retrospective

Start Stop Continue Retrospective

The world of agile retrospectives is rich with formats, each tailored to different team needs and dynamics. Among these, the Start Stop Continue retrospective stands tall as a timeless classic. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, offering a clear framework for teams to reflect on their practices. Whether you're just dipping your toes into the agile waters or are a seasoned practitioner, this format provides a straightforward platform for meaningful discussions.

For teams seeking a more layered approach to their retrospectives, the Starfish format might be worth exploring.

When to Choose Start Stop Continue

Opt for the Start Stop Continue format when simplicity is the goal. It's perfect for teams that are new to retrospectives, ensuring that the process isn't overwhelming. But its straightforwardness also appeals to experienced teams looking to cut through the noise and focus on the core aspects of their performance. If your team values direct, clear-cut feedback and discussions, this format is a reliable choice.

🚀 Start

What are some new things that we can do to improve how we work?

Innovation and improvement go hand in hand. This column invites fresh perspectives and ideas. It's about exploring new avenues and strategies that can elevate the team's performance.

⛔️ Stop

What have we tried that isn't working and should drop.

Not all experiments yield positive results, and that's okay. This section is about recognizing what's not working and making the conscious decision to move away from it. It's a commitment to efficiency and effectiveness.

👍 Continue

What are we doing really well that we should continue doing?

Consistency is key to long-term success. Here, the team can highlight the practices that are delivering results. It's a celebration of what's working and an affirmation to keep the momentum going.

🌟 Shout outs

Who is doing a great job and why?

Recognition fosters motivation. This column is a space to celebrate team members who've made notable contributions. It's about acknowledging hard work, dedication, and the positive impact individuals bring to the table.

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The Start Stop Continue retrospective is a testament to the idea that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. By offering a clear and concise structure, it ensures that teams remain focused on continuous improvement, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges head-on.

Start a Start Stop Continue Retro View all retro templates

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Start Stop Continue retrospective template?

The Start Stop Continue retrospective template is the classic three-category format (Start, Stop, Continue, plus Shout outs) that cuts through complexity with binary decision-making. As one of the oldest and most widely-used retrospective formats, Start Stop Continue's strength is its simplicity - teams decide what to begin, what to end, and what to maintain. This straightforward structure makes it perfect for teams new to retrospectives or those seeking quick, decisive feedback sessions.

When should you use the Start Stop Continue retrospective template?

Use Start Stop Continue when you need fast, clear decisions without overthinking. It's ideal for new teams learning retrospectives, time-constrained sessions (30-45 minutes), teams experiencing analysis paralysis with more complex formats, or when you need to cut through debates and make binary choices. This template works best when the team is ready for clear yes/no decisions rather than nuanced discussions about scaling practices up or down.

How do you run a Start Stop Continue retrospective meeting effectively?

To run an effective Start Stop Continue retrospective, follow these steps:

• Set the stage - Use a mood check-in to gauge team sentiment, then explain the three categories (Start, Stop, Continue)
• Brainstorm - Give 5 minutes for individual brainstorming with icebreaker music. Team members add items to the three columns anonymously
• Group and sort - Group and sort similar items together
• Discuss and vote - Review grouped items and vote to prioritize. Guide the team to be decisive - if something isn't clearly "stop," it might belong in Continue
• Create action items - For top-voted items, assign owners and set deadlines
• Share summary - Export and share the retro summary with the team

The entire session typically takes 30-45 minutes, making it one of the fastest retrospective formats.

What makes a good Start Stop Continue retrospective discussion?

Good Start Stop Continue discussions embrace binary thinking:

• Start - Propose concrete new practices with clear first steps
• Stop - Identify practices to eliminate completely without guilt
• Continue - Celebrate what's working and commit to maintaining it

Avoid trying to make this format more complex - if feedback needs nuance (like "do less of this"), consider using Starfish instead. The power of Start Stop Continue is in its decisive simplicity.

How is Start Stop Continue different from Starfish?

Start Stop Continue uses three categories (Start, Stop, Continue) while Starfish adds "More of" and "Less of" for five total categories. Start Stop Continue forces binary decisions which speeds up retrospectives but may oversimplify complex situations. Starfish's additional categories provide nuance for mature teams. Choose Start Stop Continue for new teams, quick retrospectives, or when you need clear yes/no decisions. Choose Starfish when your team needs to express gradations rather than absolutes.

What are the benefits of using the Start Stop Continue retrospective template?

Start Stop Continue offers key benefits:

• Simplicity - Easiest format for new teams to learn
• Speed - Fastest retrospective format at 30-45 minutes
• Clear decisions - Binary choices eliminate ambiguity
• Low cognitive load - Three categories are easy to understand
• Universal applicability - Works for any team in any situation

This template's enduring popularity stems from its ability to deliver results without unnecessary complexity, making it the default choice for many agile teams.

What are some alternatives to the Start Stop Continue retrospective template?

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

• KALM retrospective - When you want four categories (Keep, Add, Less, More) with nuanced Less and More instead of binary Stop and Start
• Starfish retrospective - When your team has outgrown binary thinking and needs to express "More of" and "Less of" adjustments
• DAKI retrospective - When you want more specific action categories (Drop, Add, Keep, Improve) than Start, Stop, Continue
• WWW retrospective - When you want effectiveness-based categories (Worked Well, Kinda Worked, Didn't Work) instead of action-based Start, Stop, Continue

Start Stop Continue remains ideal for new teams and quick decisions.