RetrospectivesGoogle Docs
Retrospective Checklist
10 min prepAnyRemote · Hybrid · In-person
Five key principles that will help you run more effective retrospectives today.
What is this workshop?
If your retrospectives are producing action items that nobody follows up on, or discussions that go in circles, this checklist is the fix. It distills five facilitation principles that consistently separate effective retros from wasted hours — covering everything from psychological safety to how you close the session.
What's included
- 5 facilitation principles
- Pre-session preparation checklist
- Mid-session facilitation reminders
- Closing protocol guide
This is for you if…
- Facilitators who want to sharpen their retros without learning a new format
- Anyone whose retros feel 'fine' but don't produce real change
- Team leads who regularly co-facilitate with someone else
How to access this template
- 1Enter your email in the card — we'll send you the template link right away.
- 2Open the link and go to File → Make a copy.
- 3Choose a destination folder in your Google Drive and click 'OK'.
- 4Your copy is ready — rename it and start editing.
How to run this workshop
- 1Make a copy of the Google Doc — go to File → Make a copy.
- 2Read through all five principles before your next retrospective.
- 3Print or share the checklist with your co-facilitator if you have one.
- 4Check off each item during your session prep and again during facilitation.
- 5After the retro, note which principles you nailed and which need more practice.
Tips for first-time facilitators
- Read it the evening before, not five minutes before. A checklist you skim doesn't stick.
- Print it out if you can — paper is easier to glance at during a session than a phone screen.
- After the retro, score yourself honestly on each principle. That's how you improve over time.