Retrospective Template for Distributed Teams
Distributed team retros fail when they copy the in-person format. Remote retros need async input collection and structured follow-through.
This template provides an async-first retro format: input collection before the meeting, focused sync discussion, and documented actions.
Template sections
4 sections covering the complete retrospective workflow.
Async Input (48 hours before)
Send a retro form with three prompts: What worked well? What did not work? What is the one thing to change? Independent submission prevents groupthink.
Themed Discussion (30 min sync)
Group inputs into 2-3 themes. Vote on which to discuss. Spend the sync meeting on one theme deeply rather than skimming all inputs.
Action Items with Owners
One action item per theme. Each has an owner, due date, and definition of done. More than 2-3 items per retro will not get completed.
Follow-Through Check
Start the next retro by reviewing last retro actions: completed or not? This accountability step drives real change.
Copy-paste template
# Sprint [X] Retrospective — Distributed ## Async Input ### What worked well - [Input] ### What did not work - [Input] ### One thing to change - [Input] ## Themes: [Theme 1], [Theme 2] ## Action Items | Action | Owner | Due | Done | |---|---|---|---| | [Action] | [Name] | [Date] | [ ] |
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