Classic

Glad, Sad, Learned, Action retrospective template

Free Glad, Sad, Learned, Action retrospective template: feelings, lessons and next steps on one online board.

Use this template — free, no sign-up

Opens a new board with these columns, right in your browser.

What is the Glad, Sad, Learned, Action retrospective?

Glad, Sad, Learned, Action combines an emotional check (Glad, Sad) with learning and a dedicated Action column. It is a complete retro in four columns: how it felt, what we learned, and what we will do, all visible together.

The columns

  1. Glad
  2. Sad
  3. Learned
  4. Action

When to use it

Use it for regular sprint retros when the team wants both feelings and outcomes in one pass, or as a softer alternative to Went well / To improve.

Facilitator tip: keep Action empty until the team has voted. When actions are written too early, people defend their solution instead of discussing the problem. After the vote, write actions together on screen so everyone agrees on the wording and the owner.

How to run it in Peel in 5 steps

  1. Create the board and share the link with your team.
  2. Write in Glad, Sad and Learned; leave Action for later.
  3. Reveal, group and vote on Sad and Learned.
  4. Discuss the top items and write Action cards together.
  5. Assign owners and due dates, then export or post the action list.
Use this template — free, no sign-up

Frequently asked questions

Why separate Learned from Glad?

Learning often comes from things that went badly. A separate column lets people record lessons without having to call them good or bad.

Do participants need an account?

No. They open the link, pick a name and an avatar, and write.

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