Liked - Lacked - Change Retrospective Template

A reflective format that moves from observation straight to ownership of change. The team names what it liked and what it lacked, then splits change into two columns — what each person can do differently and what the team can change together. Separating personal and collective action makes the resulting commitments clearer and more actionable.

Liked

What helped us move forward?

Roman

Reviews came back the same day for the first time

Maria

Support joined triage and cut duplicate tickets

Lacked

What held us back?

Anna

Lacked a decision on the API version before we started building

Daria

Lacked test data that looks like real accounts

What can I change?

What should I do differently?

Maria

I will write acceptance criteria before asking for estimates

Kirill

I will ask for review by noon instead of end of day

What can we change?

What should we do differently as a team?

Daria

Freeze scope after planning — changes go to the next sprint

Roman

Cap work in progress at two items per person

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What is the Liked, Lacked, Change retrospective?

The Liked, Lacked, Change retrospective is a lightweight, feeling-aware format that helps teams reflect quickly without losing depth. It starts with what people appreciated, moves to what was missing, and then splits change into two scopes: what each person can change themselves and what the team should change together. That split between personal and shared ownership is what makes this template especially actionable.

Liked
Lacked
What can I change?
What can we change?

Liked

Note what felt good during the sprint, from smooth processes to supportive teammates. This column sets a constructive tone and highlights practices worth keeping.

Lacked

Identify what was missing, whether it was clarity, resources, time, or communication. Naming gaps points the team toward concrete improvements.

What can I change?

Each member reflects on what is within their own control. Personal ownership turns retrospectives into real behavior change rather than wishful thinking.

What can we change?

Shift to collective responsibility. Here the team agrees on shared adjustments that no single person can make alone.

Benefits of this retrospective

Fast to run yet emotionally honest
Balances personal and team-level ownership
Surfaces gaps that other formats miss
Easy for newcomers to understand
Produces clear, owned action items

How to run the Liked, Lacked, Change retrospective

Create a board in QRetro using the Liked, Lacked, Change template.
Invite your team and let everyone add cards privately first.
Reveal the notes and group similar themes together.
Discuss each column, starting with Liked to build momentum.
Vote on the changes that matter most this sprint.
Assign owners to both personal and team commitments.

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