Wu Kong Retrospective

Wu Kong retrospective format

Mischievous Moments

Like the Monkey King's playful antics, what unexpected events or 'mischief' did you encounter?

Ask for the surprises: light-hearted stories or moments that seemed disruptive at first. Many turn out to have taught the team something, so ask what each one led to.

Formidable Foes

What daunting challenges or 'demons' did you face along the way?

Invite the team to talk openly about the big obstacles, failures and setbacks. Hitting trouble is normal; the useful part is how the team responded and what it would do next time.

Enlightening Experiences

What insights or 'wisdom' did you gain along the way?

Ask for the realizations, lessons and new perspectives people gained this period. Recognize the growth, including personal changes in how someone works.

Sacred Sanctuaries

What practices, processes or 'havens' provided strength and refuge?

Ask which practices, processes or working conditions helped the team get through the hard parts. Naming them makes it more likely the team protects them.

When to use this retrospective

• When you want a story-based format to talk about challenges and what the team learned.
• After a demanding project with plenty of ups and downs.
• When your team needs a lighter way into difficult topics like setbacks or conflict.
• When you want to talk about adapting to change, a theme that runs through the Monkey King's story.

Suggested icebreaker questions

• If you could have a magical cloud like the Monkey King to travel anywhere, where would you go?
• What supernatural power or ability would you want to have on an epic adventure?

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

Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting

• Invite people to tell their notes as short stories; the theme makes that easier than in a standard retro.
• Use an image of the Monkey King or a few props to set the tone at the start.
• Give Mischievous Moments real attention, because the surprises are often where the useful lessons are.
• When someone shares a setback, ask what the team learned from it, not only what went wrong.
• End on Sacred Sanctuaries and Formidable Foes: agree which practices to protect and which obstacle to tackle first.

Frequently asked questions