Rose bud thorn reflection

Use this retrospective to identify highlights, new ideas, and challenges on your latest project.

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What is a Rose, Bud, Thorn reflection?

The Rose, Bud, Thorn reflection template is a unique exercise to examine problems or situations without a more formal (and potentially more intimidating) post mortem. Using this template, teams can work through specific challenges they’re facing in a constructive manner while also building strength and trust as a team.

The Rose, Bud, Thorn template isn’t limited to just “reflecting” on past projects or accomplishments, so don’t feel limited on when you can incorporate this exercise. For instance, if your team is busy working on producing a specific ad campaign, but keeps encountering issues creating assets that are both creative and meet the requirements of the brief, a Rose, Bud, Thorn template could be a useful way to work through those issues.

What are the benefits of using the Rose, Bud, Thorn reflection template?

This simple template has a number of benefits:

Align teams on project outcomes - Different team members have different perspectives about what worked or didn’t, and gathering those perspectives is valuable for understanding how success is measured moving forward.
Improve cross-functional team relationships on a hybrid team - Knowing what worked and what didn’t work is a motivating tool for teams. When cross-functional teams understand their strengths and weaknesses, they can capitalize on them.
Visualize what went well and where things can improve - Seeing this laid out in a visual manner is a more inclusive way of approaching learnings.

How to use the Rose, Bud, Thorn reflection in Lucidspark

After a project or experience or when encountering an issue, open this template to evolve. Work through the following as a team, allowing each member to add their own sticky note under the appropriate portion of the rose, perhaps using a timer to guide the brainstorm:
- Rose: Reflect first on what you enjoyed about the project. What were your greatest successes?
- Bud: What did you learn? What can you do next time?
- Thorn: What were some of the challenges you faced?
Keep track of ideas and action items. Use emojis to react to especially meaningful sticky notes.
Share with the team and keep using the Rose, Bud, Thorn reflection template to track progress.