Start–Stop–Continue Retrospective Template
The Start–Stop–Continue retrospective is a straightforward but powerful framework used by agile teams to continuously improve how they work. It encourages thoughtful reflection, practical feedback, and clear next steps.
This template helps your team identify:
What isn’t working and should stop
What you should start doing to improve
What’s going well and should continue
It’s especially useful for teams that want to balance constructive criticism with positive reinforcement and proactive change.
This template is available through our Atlassian app SprintRetro.
Why this template?
The Start–Stop–Continue format is a favorite for a reason: it’s clear, actionable, and balanced. It invites honest feedback while maintaining forward momentum. Whether your team just finished a sprint, project, or launch, this format gives space for all voices to be heard — without getting stuck in the past.
And like all templates in SprintRetro, this one includes a dedicated Actions column that keeps your retros focused on follow-through, not just feedback.
Template structure
The Stop–Start–Continue template includes three main columns:
Stop
This is where your team lists what isn’t helping. Maybe it’s an inefficient process, a recurring meeting that’s lost its value, or a behavior that slows the team down.
Calling out these habits allows you to let go of what no longer serves the team — and make space for better practices.
Start
This column is about new ideas. What could improve collaboration, delivery, or morale? Maybe it’s better documentation, earlier stakeholder check-ins, or using a new tool.
This is your team’s opportunity to innovate — even in small ways.
Continue
A positive, reinforcing column that helps your team recognize what’s working. Acknowledge the wins, the rituals you love, or practices that support smooth delivery.
This builds consistency and motivation, sprint after sprint.
Actions
As with all SprintRetro templates, you’ll find an integrated Actions column to document your team’s next steps. Even better, you can see open action items from previous retros to keep track of what’s still outstanding.
No forgotten notes. No follow-up spreadsheets. Just clarity and momentum.
How to run the session
Set the stage
Open the retro by reminding the team of the goal: reflection and improvement. Explain the Start–Stop–Continue format if it’s new to them, and encourage honest, respectful feedback.Populate the board
Invite everyone to add items across the three columns. You can do this silently for a few minutes or discuss as you go. Comments, likes, and sorting tools help you surface the most important points.Discuss and prioritize
Talk through each section, noting key themes or surprises. Then move into your Actions column to decide what you’ll actually implement in the next sprint.Follow up
Use SprintRetro to track your actions across retrospectives. That way, nothing slips through the cracks — and you can see real progress over time.
Try this template in SprintRetro
Our free Start–Stop–Continue retrospective template is available inside the SprintRetro Atlassian app. It’s a structured, lightweight way to drive meaningful change — one sprint at a time.