Plus Delta Retrospective

Two columns: what worked, and what to change next time.

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Plus

What went well in the last sprint?

Daily standups have been more focused and efficient lately
The new code review process helped us catch issues early
Great collaboration between design and development teams
Delta

What changes could we make?

We could benefit from more regular knowledge sharing sessions
Need clearer acceptance criteria in our user stories
Would like to reduce context switching between projects

What is the Plus Delta retrospective?

The Plus Delta retrospective asks your team two things: what's working (Plus) and what should change (Delta). It takes a minute to explain, and it still ends with specific changes to try. The two-column structure suits teams new to retrospectives and meetings where time is short. The Plus column records what went well so you keep doing it. The Delta column takes its name from the Greek letter used in math for change, so it asks what you'd do differently instead of listing what went wrong. That keeps the tone away from a 'pros and cons' list. Looking at pluses and deltas side by side gives you a fair picture of the sprint: progress gets acknowledged, and problems become next steps. With only two columns the conversation stays focused, and it's easy to see which one or two changes to commit to.

Plus Delta retrospective format

Plus

What went well in the last sprint?

Ask the team for the specific successes and habits behind good outcomes. Push for concrete examples over vague statements. This shows which practices to keep and which might be worth expanding.

Delta

What changes could we make?

Focus on constructive suggestions for change rather than complaints. Encourage participants to phrase feedback in terms of opportunities for improvement and to be specific about what could be different. Help the team prioritize changes that would have the most impact.

When to use this retrospective

  • When you need a quick format everyone understands without explanation.
  • For teams new to retrospectives, as a gentle first step into structured feedback.
  • When time is short and you only need the essentials.
  • During a period of change, to protect what's working while you adjust the rest.

Suggested icebreaker questions

  • What's one positive change you've noticed in the team since our last retrospective?
  • If you could instantly change one thing about our work process, what would it be?

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

Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting

  • Turn each delta into a specific change. A problem with no proposed fix is hard to act on.
  • Ask quieter team members to share first so the loudest voices don't set the agenda.
  • If the delta column fills up, use dot voting to pick what to tackle first.
  • Phrase deltas as what you'd do next time, not as criticism of what happened.
  • Write down the agreed changes and check on them at the next retrospective.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Plus Delta retrospective?
It's a two-column format where your team lists what's going well (Plus) and what should change (Delta). Delta is a neutral word for change, so the feedback stays forward-looking. It suits teams new to retrospectives or short on time.
When should you use a Plus Delta retrospective?
Use it when you need a quick, easy format: with teams new to retrospectives, when time is short, or during a period of change when you want to keep what's working and adjust the rest.
How is Plus Delta different from a pros and cons list?
Delta replaces "cons" with a neutral term for change, borrowed from the mathematical delta symbol. People write what they'd do differently instead of listing negatives, so the feedback stays constructive.
What is a Plus Delta chart?
A Plus Delta chart is a two-column feedback tool. The Plus column (+) collects what worked and should be repeated, and the Delta column (Δ) collects what should change next time. Draw a line down a whiteboard or open a two-column board online, fill both sides at the end of a meeting, sprint, class or event, and you're done in 5–10 minutes.
Why is it called Plus Delta?
Delta (Δ) is the Greek letter that math and science use for change. Calling the second column "delta" instead of "minus" asks people what they'd change, not what went wrong. That points the feedback at the next attempt, which is why the format works well with groups that are wary of criticism.
How do you run a Plus Delta session?
Give everyone a few minutes to add notes to both columns before anyone speaks, then read the pluses first and the deltas second. Rewrite each delta as a specific change ("start on time even if people are missing," not "we always start late"). Vote, give the top one or two an owner, and let this template handle the private brainstorming, grouping and voting.
What are examples of plus and delta items?
After a team meeting, pluses might read "we finished on time" and "decisions were written down as we went." Deltas might read "share the agenda a day ahead" and "end with an owner for every action." Phrase a delta as the change you want, not the complaint, so it's easy to check next time whether it happened.

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