Easter Retrospective

Reflect on renewal, recent wins and hope for what's next.

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New Life

What signs of renewal and transformation have you observed?

I've seen our communication improve significantly this quarter
We've developed a much better approach to handling conflicts
Our new documentation process has brought clarity to everyone
Victory

What obstacles or challenges have we overcome?

We finally solved that persistent bug that was affecting our users
Successfully launched the new feature despite tight deadlines
Managed to improve our response time to customer inquiries
Hope

What opportunities for growth and improvement do you see ahead?

I see potential for automating more of our routine tasks
We could expand our knowledge sharing sessions
There's opportunity to strengthen our client relationships
Easter Eggs

What unexpected discoveries or pleasant surprises have we encountered?

Discovered a team member has amazing design skills we didn't know about
Found a clever solution while solving an unrelated problem
Uncovered a market opportunity we hadn't considered before

What is the Easter Retrospective?

The Easter Retrospective draws on the Easter themes of renewal and hope. It gives your team a reflective way to look back at a stretch of work: what has changed for the better, and what you're hoping for next. The board has four columns. New Life is for signs of renewal and growth, in your processes, your relationships or your own skills. Victory covers the obstacles and challenges the team overcame. Hope looks ahead to opportunities you want to pursue. Easter Eggs collects the unexpected discoveries and pleasant surprises from the period. It suits the Easter season or the end of a hard stretch, when the team could use a session that's more about recovery than fault-finding. Use the themes as a light seasonal metaphor so everyone can take part comfortably, whatever their beliefs, and finish by turning the Hope column into a few concrete actions.

Easter Retrospective format

New Life

What signs of renewal and transformation have you observed?

Ask where things have grown or improved, whether in processes, relationships or people's own development. Specific examples work better than general impressions.

Victory

What obstacles or challenges have we overcome?

Celebrate the wins and breakthroughs, big or small. Ask what the team did to get past each obstacle, so you know what to rely on next time.

Hope

What opportunities for growth and improvement do you see ahead?

Ask what the team hopes for and what it would like to try. Keep the focus on what's possible, then pick one or two hopes to turn into actions.

Easter Eggs

What unexpected discoveries or pleasant surprises have we encountered?

Collect the surprises: hidden talents, side discoveries and good outcomes nobody planned for. Ask who made each one happen so they get the credit.

When to use this retrospective

  • Around Easter, when your team wants a seasonal retro about renewal and fresh starts.
  • After a hard period, when the team needs to focus on what's ahead.
  • When you want to celebrate wins and growth while planning the next improvements.

Suggested icebreaker questions

  • What's something in your work or life that has recently been renewed or transformed?
  • When did you last overcome a significant challenge and come out stronger?

Want a warm-up your team plays, not just answers out loud? Browse free icebreakers →

Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting

  • Make it clear people can share professional or personal growth, whichever they're comfortable with.
  • Use the Easter themes lightly to frame the discussion about renewal and change.
  • Give past challenges and future hopes roughly equal time.
  • Present Easter as a seasonal theme so everyone can join in, whatever their religious beliefs.
  • Finish with a few practical actions from the Hope column, each with an owner.

Frequently asked questions

When should you run an Easter retrospective?
Run it around Easter, after a challenging period when the team needs a fresh start, or when you want to celebrate recent wins while planning improvements.
What topics does the Easter retrospective cover?
Four: New Life for signs of renewal, Victory for obstacles overcome, Hope for future opportunities, and Easter Eggs for unexpected discoveries and pleasant surprises.
Is the Easter retrospective suitable for teams with different religious beliefs?
Yes. It uses Easter as a seasonal metaphor for renewal and growth, and it isn't a religious exercise. Say so at the start so everyone feels comfortable taking part.
How long does an Easter retrospective take?
Most teams need 45 to 60 minutes for the four columns, plus time to agree on actions.
How is it different from the Easter Egg Hunt retrospective?
Both are Easter retros. The Easter Retrospective is more reflective and built around renewal and hope, while the Easter Egg Hunt turns the sprint into a hunt for good, cracked and golden eggs.

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