Start, stop, continue

60 minutes or less

Introduction: This activity encourages all participants to reflect and collaborate to come up
with things that work well or can be improved in the future.
Why: Reflection encourages a growth mindset and when done as a team improves
feelings of accountability, reliability and dependability.
When: At a key moment during the year, for example at the end of a quarter, at the
end of a project, or when there is an opportunity for reflection.

Step Context

• Determine one area on which you want the team to reflect. This can be a general
review of the last few months, quarter or year as well as a project or initiative.
1. Setup and • This activity requires a great deal of trust from the participants and you. Ensure you
preparation create a safe, trusting environment, and explain your purpose clearly. Consider how
you will use the team’s contributions and be transparent about that.
• Prepare a digital whiteboard, flipchart or sticky notes and pens.

• Introduce the activity and clarify your intent. You can say something like this:
“Last quarter we’ve achieved good results, but I’d love to hear from you about what
is working or can be improved. In this activity we will take a moment to debrief and
reflect collectively”.
• Explain the activity:
- Highlight the area on which you will focus your reflection, e.g. last month.
- Ask participants to discuss as a group and reflect on three components:
2. Activity Start: anything new that can be introduced or implemented.
Stop: anything you suggest that can be eliminated or limited.
Continue: anything that should be kept as is and continued.
• The aim is to focus on reflections that identify what does or doesn’t work and
finding solutions that support those observations.
• You can run this activity in variations. For example, the entire group can tackle all
areas, or you can break up the team in smaller groups and assign them an area.
• Give each team/the group a time. The recommended duration is 10-15 minutes per
area and a further 10 minutes to debrief.

• Thank everyone for their participation.

• Debrief and invite the team to share with the rest of the group.
3. Wrap-up
• Clarify and discuss any outcomes.
• Define next steps, commitments and any follow-up actions.