Kudos
Year in Review retrospective template
Run a year-in-review retrospective online for free: best moment, hardest moment, biggest lesson, next year. No sign-up.
Opens a new board with these columns, right in your browser.
What is the Year in Review retrospective?
The Year in Review retro looks back over a whole year: Best moment, Hardest moment, Biggest lesson and Next year. Over twelve months, details fade and patterns stand out, so this format captures the story of the team and sets direction for the year ahead.
The columns
- Best moment
- Hardest moment
- Biggest lesson
- Next year
When to use it
Use it in December or at the end of a financial year, at a team offsite, or at a product's anniversary.
Facilitator tip: split the session into two halves. First look back (Best moment, Hardest moment, Biggest lesson), take a break, then look forward with Next year. The break helps people switch from memories to plans, and the forward half produces better commitments.
How to run it in Peel in 5 steps
- Share a list of the year's main events beforehand to refresh memories.
- Create a Year in review board and share the link.
- Give ten minutes to write; the year is long.
- Reveal, group and vote on lessons and Next year ideas.
- Pick two or three themes for next year and post the Wrapped card to celebrate.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a year-in-review take?
60 to 90 minutes, ideally with a break.
Can we keep the board for next year?
Sign in for free to keep boards; without an account they live 60 days in your browser.