Mad / Sad / Glad retrospective template

A retrospective that names feelings, not just facts. Useful when morale, not process, is the real issue.

Start a Mad / Sad / Glad retroFree. No account needed. Share the link and your team joins.

Mad

Sad

Glad

The columns and what to ask

The team doesn't yet feel safe sharing. Start with an anonymous, fact-focused format first.
You need a quick process tune-up rather than a conversation about how people feel.

Sized for a team of up to eight. Add time for larger groups.

1
Set the stage · 5 min
Explain that feelings are valid data and that cards stay anonymous. Ask everyone to describe events, not blame people.
2
Write cards · 10 min
Everyone adds cards to Mad, Sad and Glad silently. One event per card.
3
Read and cluster · 10 min
Read the cards aloud (the facilitator can do it) and group similar ones. Look for a feeling shared by several people.
4
Discuss · 20 min
Start with Glad to build energy, then take the Mad and Sad clusters with the most cards. Ask what was behind the feeling before asking how to fix it.
5
Commit to actions · 5 min
Choose one or two changes for the clusters where a change is possible. Name an owner for each.

Keep cards anonymous. Feelings are hard to write under your own name.
Start the discussion with Glad, then move to the harder columns.
Separate the event from the person: "the deploy failed twice", not "someone broke the build".
Not every Mad needs an action. Sometimes being heard is the outcome, so say that up front.

Is Mad / Sad / Glad only for tense sprints?: No, but it works best after one. On a smooth sprint the Mad and Sad columns can stay thin, which is a good sign in itself.
How do you keep it from turning into venting?: Timebox each cluster and ask what was behind the feeling. Finish with one or two actions for the clusters where a change is possible.

Your board opens with these columns. Votes, timers and anonymous cards are built in.