Say it like this
- Let's run through a start-stop-continue exercise.
- I have some start-stop-continue feedback for you.
- What should we start, stop, and continue doing?
Use it at work
Running a retro
- Let's do start-stop-continue for this retro.
- What should we start doing?
Giving feedback
- Stop: adding work mid-sprint.
- Continue: the daily async updates.
Afterward
- Here are the results from start-stop-continue.
- Let's pick one item from each column.
Don't say this
Start-stop-continue is a framework or exercise, not an action verb. You conduct or perform it, not apply it directly to a project.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team wants to improve their retrospective process. What is the most natural way to say this?
2. In our team meeting, we conducted a _______ exercise to gather feedback on our development workflow.
3. Which sentence uses start-stop-continue incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this using start-stop-continue: We asked the team what they should do more of, do less of, and keep doing in their daily work.
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let's run through a start-stop-continue exercise."
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More about start-stop-continue
Real examples(3)
- in a sprint retrospective
"In our retro, we did a start-stop-continue session and decided to start daily standups and stop lengthy status meetings."
- in a one-on-one meeting
"My manager gave me start-stop-continue feedback: start documenting code more thoroughly, stop working late on Fridays, and continue mentoring junior developers."
- in team feedback
"We used the start-stop-continue framework to gather feedback from the entire team about our deployment process."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. This is a structured framework, not a casual comment. Do not use it casually or as a general criticism tool. It requires a supportive context and clear communication.
- ✕I will start-stop-continue your performance.✓I will provide you with start-stop-continue feedback on your performance.
The phrase is a feedback method or framework, not a direct action. Use it as a noun describing the type of feedback being given.
- ✕Start-stop-continue is just criticism.✓Start-stop-continue is balanced feedback that includes what to continue doing well.
The framework is constructive and includes positive reinforcement, not only criticism.
Other forms(2)
- start-stop-continue noun
"We ran a start-stop-continue exercise to improve our workflow."
- start-stop-continue feedback noun phrase
"Start-stop-continue feedback is more balanced than traditional criticism."
Often used with(5)
- conduct a start-stop-continue · Used to mean running or performing the exercise
- start-stop-continue session · A meeting or time block dedicated to this feedback exercise
- start-stop-continue framework · Referring to it as a structured approach or methodology
- start-stop-continue feedback · Feedback delivered using this three-category structure
- start-stop-continue retrospective · A sprint review using this structured format
Similar words(3)
- three-category feedback · More descriptive but less commonly used in tech
- keep-stop-start · Alternative word order with the same meaning
- continuous improvement framework · Broader term; start-stop-continue is one specific approach
Opposites(2)
- unstructured feedback
- one-dimensional criticism
Questions(5)
- What does start-stop-continue mean in tech meetings?
- Start-stop-continue is a structured feedback framework used in retrospectives and team meetings. It organizes feedback into three categories: Start (new behaviors to begin), Stop (behaviors to end), and Continue (behaviors to maintain). This approach ensures feedback is balanced, constructive, and actionable.
- How do you use start-stop-continue in a sentence?
- Use it as a noun or noun phrase. Examples: We conducted a start-stop-continue exercise. She provided me with start-stop-continue feedback. The team ran a start-stop-continue session. Never use it as a verb applied directly to objects.
- Is start-stop-continue formal or informal?
- Start-stop-continue is neutral and semi-formal. It is professional and used in corporate settings, but it is not overly formal. It is common in agile and tech company cultures where continuous improvement and feedback are emphasized.
- Why is start-stop-continue popular in tech teams?
- It is popular because it provides balanced, psychological-safe feedback. By including Continue alongside Stop and Start, it acknowledges what is working well. This three-part structure makes feedback less intimidating and more actionable than traditional criticism.
- Can you use start-stop-continue in one-on-ones?
- Yes, absolutely. Managers often use the start-stop-continue framework in individual meetings with team members to provide developmental feedback. It works well because it is structured, fair, and includes positive reinforcement.
