How do I choose a retrospective template?

Problem This Solves

Defaulting to the same retrospective template every sprint leads to routine fatigue and surface-level responses. Selecting a format tailored to your current sprint context focuses the conversation on the specific challenges your team faces.

When to Use This

Consult this guide whenever you create a new board in LetRetro to choose the best framework for your sprint situation.

Verified LetRetro Template Catalog

1. Start/Stop/Continue (3 Columns)

• Best For: Fast-paced engineering squads seeking direct process and behavioral adjustments.
• Columns: Start, Stop, Continue.
• When to Use: Standard sprint reviews where the team needs quick, actionable operational tweaks without complex metaphors.

2. Mad/Sad/Glad (3 Columns)

• Best For: Emotionally charged sprints, post-incident reviews, or when squad morale needs attention.
• Columns: Mad, Sad, Glad.
• When to Use: Safely surfacing interpersonal tension, frustration, and wins to rebuild psychological safety.

3. 4Ls (4 Columns)

• Best For: Major milestone reviews, quarterly retrospectives, or cross-functional teams.
• Columns: Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For.
• When to Use: Broad, thoughtful evaluations that balance celebration of learnings with identification of missing capabilities.

4. Mountain Climb (5 Columns)

• Best For: Goal-oriented Scrum teams tracking sprint progress toward larger milestones.
• Columns: Outcomes, Start, Stop, Continue, Goals.
• When to Use: Framing sprint reviews as a journey; pairs celebrating completed outcomes with planning the next ascent.

5. DAKI (4 Columns)

• Best For: Process hygiene and workflow optimization.
• Columns: Drop, Add, Keep, Improve.
• When to Use: Pruning obsolete rituals, meetings, or unnecessary developer friction.

6. Sailboat

• Best For: Visual risk analysis and project kickoff retrospectives.
• Columns: Anchors (blockers), Wind (accelerators), Rocks (hidden risks).
• When to Use: Helping teams visualize external impediments and future threats in a creative setting.

Plan Capabilities & Custom Templates

• Free Workspace: All built-in templates are completely free for all workspaces (up to 3 active boards).
• Pro Workspace ($15/month flat): Unlocks custom retro templates, allowing squads to configure custom column names, layouts, and tailored formats.

Expected Outcome

You launch a board format purposefully matched to your sprint objectives, driving deeper engagement and more impactful action items.