Start, Stop, Continue

A Start, Stop, Continue template is a simple feedback framework teams use during retrospectives to reflect, align, and continuously improve performance. Use this template
Start, Stop, Continue template

About this template

The Start, Stop, Continue template is a simple yet powerful framework for team retrospectives. It helps teams reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what should start happening to move forward with clarity. Whether you're wrapping up a sprint, reviewing a project, or having a team check-in, this template turns feedback into direction.

In Vani, this template becomes more than a conversation starter; it’s a shared, visual space for honest feedback, clear decisions, and actionable next steps.

How to use this Start, Stop, Continue template

  1. Set the stage

    Drop the template into your Vani space and define the focus: Is this a sprint retro? A project review? A team habits check-in? Add a quick intro so everyone knows the context.

  2. Brainstorm

    Ask everyone to add sticky notes under each topic.

    • Start: Ideas or practices you think the team should begin doing.
    • Stop: Things that aren’t working, draining time, or causing friction.
    • Continue: What’s going well and should keep going.

    Share the space with your teammates, using sticky notes to encourage everyone to contribute to each column—anonymously if needed—and set a timer to keep the flow focused.

  3. Discuss and cluster ideas

    Use color-coding and emojis to categorize feedback like pain points, wins, or new ideas. Then, run a quick poll to surface what needs immediate attention. This helps turn a wall of feedback into clear priorities.

  4. Turn insight into action

    Ask everyone to add sticky notes under each topic.

    • Pull top-voted notes into a new Zone to separate actionable work from raw feedback.
    • Create task cards to define clear action items under each category: Start, Stop, and Continue.
    • Assign task owners so nothing slips through the cracks.
    • Set deadlines and track status so the team stays aligned and outcomes stay visible.

Why use this template in Vani?

  • Visual, honest feedback in real time or async

    Run friendly, pressure-free sessions where everyone can contribute. Use emojis and see live cursors to track team input, or enable anonymous mode to surface open, judgment-free input.

    Working across time zones? No problem. Share the board and let teammates add feedback asynchronously, including voice comments. Whether you're meeting live or not, feedback stays visible and easy to engage with.

  • Flexible to fit your format

    Run retros your way. Adapt the layout, duplicate the template for next time, or mix it with other Vani templates like the 5 Whys template.

  • Add context where it counts

    Attach relevant documents, links, or screenshots directly to each segment. This adds valuable context and makes the feedback easier to understand and act on.

  • Move from reflection to follow-through

    Vani isn’t just for sharing thoughts; it’s built to help you act on them. Convert insights into task cards, assign owners, and track each step until goals are met.

Start, Stop, Continue template FAQ

It’s a simple retrospective framework that helps teams reflect on what to start doing, stop doing, and continue doing. It encourages structured feedback, making it easy to identify improvements and reinforce what’s working.
Use this template