review · Retrospective, Feedback, Team Building · 15–30 min · 2-40 people · low energy
Yay! Questions
Yay! Questions is a simple retrospective technique that focuses on positive reinforcement and learning from experiments. By emphasizing what went well and what was learned, it creates a positive environment and encourages continuous improvement.
When to use Yay! Questions
Use this method at the end of a sprint, project, or meeting to reflect on successes, failures, and lessons learned, fostering a culture of experimentation and shared learning.
What it solves
Negative retrospectives that focus solely on problems, leading to demotivation and a lack of actionable insights.
How to run Yay! Questions, step by step
- Introduce the activity and explain the purpose (2 minutes).
- Ask the first question: 'What did we do well?' (5 minutes).
- Capture responses on a whiteboard or shared document (5 minutes).
- Ask the second question: 'What did we learn?' (5 minutes).
- Capture responses and discuss key takeaways (8 minutes).
- Identify actionable steps based on the learnings (5 minutes).
Materials needed
- Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard (e.g., Miro)
- Markers or digital pens
- Sticky notes (optional)
- Timer
Facilitator tips
- Encourage specific examples rather than general statements.
- Create a safe space for sharing both successes and failures.
- Ensure that learnings are translated into actionable steps.
Common pitfalls
- Participants struggling to identify successes. Prompt them with specific areas to consider.
- Focusing only on superficial successes. Encourage deeper reflection on underlying reasons.
- Failing to translate learnings into actionable steps. Facilitate a discussion to identify concrete actions.
Variations
- Rephrase the questions: 'What should we repeat?' and 'What should we try?'
- Use a Celebration Grid in conjunction with Yay! Questions to visualize successes and failures.
- Incorporate a 'victory bell' or other celebratory element to reinforce positive behaviors and learning.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a shared document or virtual whiteboard to collect responses to the questions.
What it produces
A list of successes and lessons learned, often categorized and prioritized for future action.
Origin
Adapted from Management 3.0 — source
Build a session around Yay! Questions
METODIC places Yay! Questions inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.