Why a check-in?
A retrospective starts stronger when everyone has said something right away. A short check-in of 30 to 60 seconds per person gives quieter team members a voice too, and lets the team take its emotional temperature before the content begins.
The six themes
- One word — the shortest form, ideal for tight time-boxes and larger groups.
- Mood — gauges the feeling with emoji, colour or a 1–5 scale.
- Safety — checks whether everyone feels at ease enough to be open.
- Reflection — a brief look back at a moment from the sprint.
- Trend — gauges direction (up/down) on a topic that affects the team.
- Creative — lowers the threshold with metaphors, films, dishes or music.
Tips for the facilitator
- Ask the question of yourself first — it sets the tone and helps others get going.
- Keep it tight: one to two minutes per person, especially with larger teams.
- Vary the themes so each retro gets a different angle — prevents the opening from becoming a routine.
- On the safety check, don't ask a follow-up to someone who scores low — that removes the very safety you're after.