Rose Thorn Bud Exercise

The Rose Thorn Bud Exercise provides a way for us to reflect on our progress as a team, identifying and celebrating the positives (Roses), recognizing and addressing the negatives and pain points (Thorns), and considering what opportunities might exist and what we're looking forward to next (Buds).

This template can be used as part of a Retro meeting.

1. Specify a subject, project, and/or time period to discuss

2. Gather the relevant stakeholders for a meeting

3. Explain the significance of each section:


   • Rose (Pink) = going well

   • Thorn (Blue) = pain point or problem

   • Bud (Green) = has potential

4. Ask everyone to write one thing per sticky note, but generate as many as possible within a given timeframe (5 - 10 minutes for each color is a good baseline; use the Miro timer top right if you like)

5. Once all three sections are complete, ask each participant to talk about any of the notes (their own or others’) that they feel are relevant and worth discussing. Facilitate conversations as you go and record key points.

6. Identify the next steps and assign responsibilities. You may want to consider taking some of the Bud suggestions and applying them to a separate Prioritization Matrix activity or other evaluation exercise.