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Retrospective warm-up questions

A retrospective goes better when people have already started thinking back over the sprint before the real discussion begins. A warm-up question does that, and it also gives the facilitator an early read on the team's mood.

These questions ask people to describe the sprint through a picture, a word or a moment. That framing makes it easier to say something honest about a hard sprint without it sounding like a complaint.

Describe the last sprint as a weather forecast.

All 25 questions

  1. Describe the last sprint as a weather forecast.
  2. If the last sprint were a film, what would its title be?
  3. In one word, how did the last two weeks feel?
  4. What is one thing from this sprint you want to keep doing?
  5. Which moment from the sprint would you replay, and which would you skip?
  6. Rate your energy at the end of this sprint from one to five.
  7. What surprised you most this sprint?
  8. If the sprint were a meal, what would it be?
  9. Who helped you this sprint, and how?
  10. What is one thing you learned this sprint, about the work or about yourself?
  11. Pick an emoji for the sprint and explain it.
  12. What was the most satisfying task you finished?
  13. If you could change one decision from this sprint, which would it be?
  14. What is one thing that made work easier this sprint?
  15. If this sprint were a song, which song would it be?
  16. What is one small win nobody has mentioned yet?
  17. What took longer than you expected?
  18. Describe the sprint as a type of transport.
  19. What would you like more of next sprint?
  20. What would you like less of next sprint?
  21. If our team were a sports team, what position did you play this sprint?
  22. What is one question you still have about the work we just finished?
  23. Which of our team habits helped most this sprint?
  24. What would make the next sprint feel calmer?
  25. Finish the sentence: "Next sprint, I will..."

Tips for using these questions

  • Ask the warm-up before showing any board or data, so the answers are people's own view of the sprint.
  • Note the words and pictures people use. They often point to the topics the retro needs to cover.
  • Change the warm-up every retro. The same question every two weeks stops working fast.

Need a speaking order or groups? The team generator and turn picker makes them in one click. For more ideas, read how to run an icebreaker that people actually enjoy.

Questions people ask

How many retrospective warm-ups questions should I use in one session?

One question is enough for a regular meeting. For a workshop or a team's first session, two or three work well. Save the rest for later meetings so they stay fresh.

What if someone does not want to answer?

Let them pass, without comment. A forced answer makes the whole group less comfortable, and the point of an icebreaker is the opposite.

Can I print this list?

Yes. Print the page from your browser, or copy the questions into your own slides or notes.

More icebreaker questions