4Ls Retrospective (Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For)
A balanced reflection format covering both process and emotion.
4Ls stands for Liked, Learned, Lacked, and Longed For. It gives teams four distinct lenses to reflect on the sprint—covering appreciation, growth, gaps, and aspirations in one structured exercise.
Board columns
Liked
What did the team appreciate about this sprint? Positive experiences, helpful practices, and moments of good collaboration.
Learned
What new knowledge, skills, or insights did the team gain? Technical learnings, process discoveries, or customer understanding.
Lacked
What was missing that the team needed? Resources, clarity, tooling, skills, or support that would have made the sprint smoother.
Longed For
What did the team wish existed? Aspirational tools, processes, or conditions that would significantly improve how the team works.
When to use this template
4Ls works especially well for teams new to retrospectives, or when a simple Start/Stop/Continue has become repetitive. It surfaces both emotional and process dimensions in a single format.
How to run it
- 1
Explain each of the four Ls clearly before writing begins.
- 2
Give the team 8–10 minutes to write privately.
- 3
Reveal and read cards together.
- 4
Group Lacked and Longed For cards—these become your action pool.
- 5
Vote on the highest-priority gaps to address.
- 6
Convert top Lacked items into concrete asks with an owner and a deadline.
Facilitation tips
The Longed For column often reveals strategic investments worth raising with leadership.
Treat Learned as a celebration—acknowledge growth even in difficult sprints.
Compare Lacked items across retros to track whether gaps are being closed.
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