Start / Stop / Continue

The simplest and most effective retrospective format for actionable change

What is Start/Stop/Continue?

Start/Stop/Continue is a straightforward retrospective format that helps teams identify concrete actions for improvement. It focuses on three simple questions that lead to actionable outcomes.

This format works well for teams of any maturity level and typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete.

Start

What should we START doing?

New practices, processes, or behaviors that could improve the team's performance or work environment.

Examples:

  • • Start doing daily standups
  • • Start pair programming on complex features
  • • Start documenting major decisions

Stop

What should we STOP doing?

Practices, processes, or behaviors that are wasteful, frustrating, or counterproductive.

Examples:

  • • Stop scheduling meetings during focus time
  • • Stop working in silos without communication
  • • Stop skipping code reviews to save time

Continue

What should we CONTINUE doing?

Things that are working well and should be maintained or amplified.

Examples:

  • • Continue celebrating small wins
  • • Continue having focused sprint planning
  • • Continue cross-functional collaboration

When to Use This Template

Teams new to retrospectives (simple and easy to understand)

When you need clear, actionable outcomes

Time-constrained sessions (can be done in 30 minutes)

Regular sprint cadences (works well for routine retrospectives)

How to Facilitate

  1. 1

    Set the Stage (2 minutes)

    Explain the three categories and the goal: identify concrete actions for improvement.

  2. 2

    Individual Reflection (5-10 minutes)

    Team members silently add cards to Start, Stop, and Continue categories.

  3. 3

    Group Similar Items (5 minutes)

    Organize related cards into groups to identify themes.

  4. 4

    Vote on Priorities (3 minutes)

    Each person votes on the items most important to address.

  5. 5

    Discuss Top Items (10-15 minutes)

    Focus on highest-voted items. Dig into why they matter and what action to take.

  6. 6

    Create Action Items (5 minutes)

    Turn insights into specific, assignable tasks with clear owners.

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