Conducting a Productive 4 L's Retrospective

At Slatebox, we understand the importance of constantly evaluating our processes and improving our outcomes. That's why we use the 4 L's Retrospective, a proven method for teams to reflect on their work and identify areas for improvement. In this article, we'll explain what the 4 L's Retrospective is, how it works, and why it's so effective.

What is the 4 L's Retrospective?

The 4 L's Retrospective is a simple framework that helps teams evaluate their work by breaking it down into four categories: liked, learned, lacked, and longed for. By reflecting on what they liked, learned, lacked, and longed for during a project or time period, teams can gain valuable insights into what went well and what could be improved.

How to Conduct a 4 L's Retrospective

To conduct a 4 L's Retrospective, you'll need a whiteboard or a piece of paper divided into four sections. Label each section with one of the four L's: liked, learned, lacked, and longed for.

1. Liked In the "liked" section, team members write down what they enjoyed or appreciated during the project. This could be anything from positive feedback to a particular process that worked well.
2. Learned In the "learned" section, team members write down what they learned during the project. This could include new skills or knowledge, or even things that didn't work as expected.
3. Lacked In the "lacked" section, team members write down what they felt was missing or could have been improved during the project. This could be anything from resources to communication.
4. Longed For In the "longed for" section, team members write down what they wished they had during the project. This could be anything from additional time to more support from stakeholders.

Why the 4 L's Retrospective Works

The 4 L's Retrospective is a valuable tool for teams because it encourages reflection and honesty. By breaking down the project into four categories, team members can gain a comprehensive understanding of what went well and what could be improved. This information can be used to make informed decisions and improvements moving forward, ultimately leading to greater success.

Conclusion

The 4 L's Retrospective is a simple yet powerful tool that can help teams evaluate their work and identify areas for improvement. At Slatebox, we've seen firsthand how this framework can lead to increased productivity, better outcomes, and stronger team dynamics. If you're looking to improve your team's processes and outcomes, we highly recommend giving the 4 L's Retrospective a try.