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Appreciation Retro

A retrospective built around continuous improvement and an empathetic team culture. Alongside the usual reflection on what was good and what fell short, it makes space to wonder, to commit to action items and, above all, to appreciate one another. The strong emphasis on gratitude helps teams ask hard questions without fear and have courageous conversations.
😃 I'm glad that...
🤔 I'm wondering...
😢 It wasn't so great that...
✅ Action Items
🙏 I appreciate...
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What is an Appreciation Retro?

An Appreciation Retro is a retrospective that centers recognition and gratitude while still leaving room for honest reflection. It helps teams strengthen relationships, acknowledge each other's contributions and surface improvements in a warm, constructive tone. The QRetro template guides the conversation across five columns.

  • I'm glad that… — moments that went well.
  • I'm wondering… — open questions and curiosities.
  • It wasn't so great that… — honest concerns.
  • Action Items — concrete next steps.
  • I appreciate… — direct thanks to teammates.

I'm glad that…

This column captures the highlights — wins, smooth collaboration and good decisions. Starting on a positive note sets a safe, generous tone for the rest of the session.

I'm wondering…

Wonders are open questions and gentle curiosities about how things work or could improve. They invite exploration without putting anyone on the defensive.

It wasn't so great that…

Here the team names what did not go well, honestly but kindly. Framing concerns within an appreciative session keeps feedback constructive rather than blaming.

Action Items

Action Items turn discussion into commitment. Each card should describe a clear next step with an owner so the retro leads to real change.

I appreciate…

This is the heart of the format: direct, specific thanks to teammates. Naming who did what and why it mattered builds trust and motivation.

Benefits of an Appreciation Retro

  • Strengthens trust and psychological safety.
  • Makes recognition a regular team habit.
  • Balances gratitude with honest, actionable feedback.
  • Boosts morale and motivation.
  • Surfaces concerns in a constructive tone.
  • Ends with clear, owned action items.

How to run an Appreciation Retro

  1. Create a board in QRetro using the Appreciation Retro template.
  2. Give everyone quiet time to add cards across the five columns.
  3. Start by sharing the "I'm glad that…" and "I appreciate…" cards.
  4. Move through wonders and honest concerns with curiosity, not blame.
  5. Group related cards and agree on the most important action items.
  6. Assign owners and close with a round of direct appreciation.
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