Navigating Reflection: A Guided Journey to Uncover Insights and Shape the Path Ahead
As the year draws to a close it is the time when we engage in reflecting on the past year. Strategizing for the upcoming year, by taking a holistic view of the entire year. This Retrospective template encourages teams to think about past achievements, failures, and learning. It also helps them to incorporate these learnings while planning for the future.
Start by answering the six key questions to assess the current year and identify areas for improvement for the next year. Based on the participant's responses, generate action items and document key learnings that can help shape participants' plans for the coming year.
Instructions:
There is no fixed order in which you have to attempt these questions. Participants will be given 10–15 minutes to answer them after every 5 minutes try to make the participants aware of the passing time.
Write down the 6 questions on the board with the little prompts what exactly these questions mean. For example, Highlights (write a few accomplishments, achievements, or it could also be the best memories you had of being part of your current team.)
At first, it might feel challenging or even overwhelming but as you move on you will find answers to these questions. You will realise these answers might also be interlinked. For example, (04) Area of focus →focusing on certain topics might also lead us to neglect a few other topics → (05) Things you forgot. Similarly, (02) disappointments → can often be springboards for valuable learnings → (03) Things you learned.
After everyone is done writing or at the end of 15 minutes. Let the participants share their responses with the team. The team can ask clarifying questions if they want.
This activity is mainly for individual reflections and learning. This could assist the team in developing their individual growth plans or team goals for the upcoming year. It could be behavioral changes for improving the way of working or introducing / optimizing processes. By categorizing these learnings, the team can derive targeted strategies for team and individual growth. This approach ensures a holistic improvement plan that addresses the unique needs of both team dynamics and individual development.
Make sure you take enough printouts of the answer sheet. So that the team can use it, to organize the answers properly rather than just using plain white paper. Click photo’s or document these action items at the end of the session.
If this is facilitated virtually you can maintain the digital copies.
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