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Rose, Bud, Thorn

Roses bloomed (wins), buds are promising (opportunities), thorns hurt (problems). The bud column makes this gentler and more forward-looking than most three-column retros.

Steps

  1. 5 min
    Set the stage

    Explain the three columns: rose, bud, thorn.

  2. 12 min
    Silent writing

    Everyone adds notes to all three columns.

  3. 13 min
    Share and cluster

    Read notes aloud and cluster; celebrate the roses briefly.

  4. 10 min
    Grow the buds

    Pick the most promising buds: what would help them bloom?

  5. 5 min
    Decide actions

    One action to grow a bud, one to remove a thorn.