Goldilocks Retrospective

Sort processes into too hot, too cold and just right

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Too Cold

What should we start doing or do more of?

We should start having more frequent check-ins to align on priorities and blockers.
Let's start incorporating user feedback earlier in the development cycle.
We need to start documenting our processes better for knowledge sharing.
Just Right

What should we keep doing?

Our daily standups really help keep everyone aligned and accountable.
The code review process has been instrumental in catching issues early.
The team's collaborative spirit and willingness to help each other has been invaluable.
Too Hot

What should we stop doing or do less of?

We should stop overcommitting to unrealistic deadlines.
Let's stop having so many meetings that disrupt our focus time.
We need to stop relying on outdated tools and embrace more efficient technologies.

What is the Goldilocks Retrospective?

The Goldilocks retrospective borrows the fairy tale to help your team review how it works. Each process or habit goes in one of three columns: Too Hot for things that take too much time and energy and should stop or shrink, Too Cold for things that need more attention and should start, and Just Right for things that are working and should continue. The story is familiar enough that nobody needs it explained, and the labels make it easy to say "this meeting is too hot" without it sounding like a complaint about whoever runs it. The best conversation is usually about what "just right" means for your team, and whether that matches what the rest of the organization expects from you. Use it when you want a lighter alternative to Start Stop Continue that still ends with clear actions: what to cut back, what to add and what to protect.

Goldilocks retrospective format

Too Cold

What should we start doing or do more of?

Too Cold is for things that need more energy: processes that are stuck, moving too slowly or missing altogether. Ask what the team should start doing or put more time into.

Just Right

What should we keep doing?

Just Right is for processes that are working and doing their job. Ask what the team should keep doing, and why it works, so it doesn't get dropped by accident.

Too Hot

What should we stop doing or do less of?

Too Hot is for things that take up too much time or energy, cause friction or keep starting fires. Ask what the team should stop doing or scale back.

When to use this retrospective

  • When you want a regular retrospective that ends with clear things to stop, start and keep.
  • After a major project or milestone, to look at what worked and what to change.
  • When you notice recurring issues or bottlenecks in your team's workflow.
  • When you want honest feedback about processes without it feeling personal.

Suggested icebreaker questions

  • If you were a character in the Goldilocks story, which one would you be and why?
  • What's your favorite fairy tale or childhood story, and why has it stuck with you?

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

Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting

  • Lean into the theme with a picture of three bowls of porridge or a quick retelling of the story.
  • Make sure everyone contributes, including quieter team members.
  • Keep the focus on processes and practices, not individuals.
  • Rotate the facilitator so different voices are heard and people get to run the retrospective their own way.
  • Finish with an action plan for the items in Too Hot and Too Cold.
  • Use a Return on Time Invested (ROTI) vote at the end to check whether the meeting was worth the team's time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Goldilocks retrospective?
It's a story-based retrospective that borrows the Goldilocks fairy tale. Your team sorts its processes into Too Cold (needs more), Too Hot (too much) and Just Right (keep as is).
How do you run a Goldilocks retrospective?
Set up the Too Cold, Just Right and Too Hot columns and give everyone a few minutes to add ideas privately. Group similar ideas, vote on what to discuss, and agree on actions that bring things back to just right.
When should you use the Goldilocks retrospective?
Use it when you want a lighter way to review a process, workload or meeting cadence, or when your usual format has gone stale.
How is Goldilocks different from Start Stop Continue?
The columns line up: Too Cold is roughly Start, Too Hot is Stop and Just Right is Continue. Asking whether something is too hot opens a conversation about the right amount, so teams often decide to scale something back instead of dropping it.
How long does a Goldilocks retrospective take?
Plan for 45–60 minutes. With only three columns, it's a good choice when you're short on time.

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