Apple Retrotree

This is a fun retrospective workshop, where you have to pick "apples" from the tree & put them into a basket. The whole purpose of this retrotree is to combine having fun while discussing important subjects that matter to the team.

Time: 15 minutes max (without the discussion) - adjust accordingly to the team's needs.

Step 1: Red Apples - pick them up (5 minutes):

First step is about what the team is doing good, what went well, what they are proud of or satisfied with. Set the timer for 4 minutes, play some relaxing music & let the team write down their answers on the red sticky notes. After 4 minutes, ask the team to help you harvest the red apples into the first basket.

Step 2: Green Apples - need more sun (5 minutes):

Second step is about what the team should improve, do better than the last time. Set the timer for 4 minutes again & let the team write down their answers on the green sticky notes. We suggest using "Private mode" function in order to really get honest answers. After 4 minutes, end the "private mode". Leave the sticky notes where they are, they need more sun :)

Step 3: Rotten Apples - throw them away (5 minutes):

Third step is about what the team should stop or avoid doing it, what they should eliminate. Set the timer for 4 minutes again & let the team write down their answers on the black sticky notes. We kindly suggest using "Private mode" function if you are not sure that psychological safety is high enough to get honest answers. After 4 minutes, end the "private mode" & ask the team to help you pick those black sticky notes (rotten apples), put them in a basket & throw them away.

Step 4: Discussion

Ask someone to read the sticky notes in order to discuss the content & impediments. Try to cluster the green & black sticky notes or use the "Voting" function to discuss the most painful impediments in order to change them. Don't forget to make a commitment & action plan.