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RetroBeginner

Rose Bud Thorn

A simple reflection tool using a plant metaphor. Roses represent positives and successes, Thorns represent challenges and pain points, and Buds represent emerging opportunities or ideas not yet fully developed. It works equally well as a retrospective, a design thinking tool, or a quick daily reflection.

Duration
20m–40m
Group size
2–30 people
Materials
sticky notes (3 colours if possible), markers, whiteboard
Origin
Community

How to run it

  1. 1

    Set up three columns or sections labelled Rose, Bud, and Thorn.

  2. 2

    Briefly explain the metaphor: Rose = good things, Thorn = problems, Bud = opportunities.

  3. 3

    Give participants 3–5 minutes to silently write sticky notes for each.

  4. 4

    Participants share their notes one category at a time.

  5. 5

    Cluster similar notes and discuss patterns.

  6. 6

    For retrospectives: agree on actions based on Thorns. For design: use Buds as input for ideation.

Tips

  • Using three colours of sticky notes (e.g.

  • red for thorns, green for roses, yellow for buds) makes the board immediately readable.

  • Great as a closing activity for workshops.

Variations

For personal reflection: use as a journaling prompt. For product reviews: apply to a specific feature or user journey rather than the team process.

Where it fits

Sprint retrospectivesWorkshop closingsProduct and design reviewsCoaching sessions

Related methods

RetroMad Sad Glad
RetroFour Ls Retrospective
feedbackPlus/Delta

Further reading

Workshop Facilitation: How to Facilitate a Workshop Step by Step

Blog

Frequently asked questions

When should I use Rose Bud Thorn?▾

Use Rose Bud Thorn when you want to: Sprint retrospectives; Workshop closings; Product and design reviews; Coaching sessions.

How long does Rose Bud Thorn take?▾

Rose Bud Thorn typically takes 20–40 minutes.

How many participants does Rose Bud Thorn work for?▾

Rose Bud Thorn works best for groups of 2–30 participants.

What materials do I need for Rose Bud Thorn?▾

To run Rose Bud Thorn you will need: sticky notes (3 colours if possible), markers, whiteboard.

How difficult is Rose Bud Thorn to facilitate?▾

Rose Bud Thorn is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.

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Method descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices.