Purpose

The Newspaper Headline Retrospective asks each team member to write a newspaper headline that captures the essence of the sprint or project. Headlines are then shared and discussed, revealing how different people perceived the same period. It is a quick, engaging way to surface diverse perspectives and uncover misalignment.

At a glance

• Group size: 3–15 people
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Facilitation style: Semi-structured
• Setting: Both / Remote-friendly

How to run

1. Ask each participant to write a newspaper headline summarizing the sprint (3 minutes).
2. Optional: write a sub-headline or a short lead paragraph for detail.
3. Each person shares their headline and explains the reasoning (7 minutes).
4. Group headlines by theme or sentiment (positive, neutral, negative) (5 minutes).
5. Discuss gaps between headlines and agree on 1–2 actions (5 minutes).

Materials needed

• Index cards or sticky notes
• Markers
• Whiteboard for grouping
• Timer

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Headlines becoming too vague (e.g., "Good Sprint") — push for specifics.
• Not exploring why different people wrote very different headlines.
• Skipping the action-item step because the exercise feels complete after sharing.

Inclusion & accessibility

• For non-native speakers, allow headlines in any language or provide examples.
• Make it clear that humour is welcome but not required.
• Allow digital submission for remote participants.

Variations

• Front Page: design a full front page with headline, photo caption, and editorial.
• Future Headline: write the headline you want to see at the end of the next sprint.
• Tabloid vs. Broadsheet: write both a sensational and a factual headline and compare.

When NOT to use this

• When the team needs deep analysis of a specific problem — use Five Whys.
• When quantitative feedback is needed — use Happiness Radar.

Source & further reading

• Gamestorming by Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, and James Macanufo.
• Retromat (retromat.org).