Activity · beginner · 30 min
Speedboat Retrospective
Visualize team progress as a speedboat, with anchors representing obstacles slowing the team down. Participants write down what's holding them back.
What participants gain
- Identify obstacles to quick decision-making
- Visualize the impact of these obstacles on team progress
- Prioritize the most significant roadblocks for discussion
Materials needed
- Whiteboard or large paper
- Markers
- Sticky notes
- Timer
How to run Speedboat Retrospective, step by step
- Draw a speedboat on a whiteboard. (2 min)
- Explain that the boat represents the team and the anchors are obstacles. (3 min)
- Participants write down obstacles on sticky notes (one per note). (10 min)
- Participants place their sticky notes on the 'anchors' area of the drawing. (5 min)
- Briefly discuss the most common or impactful anchors. (10 min)
Facilitator tips
- Encourage specific examples rather than vague statements.
- Group similar anchors together to identify common themes.
- Keep the energy positive and focus on solutions, not blame.
Common challenges
- Vague or abstract answers - Ask for concrete examples.
- Negative tone - Reframe obstacles as opportunities for improvement.
- Silence - Encourage quiet members to contribute by prompting them directly.
Running it virtually
Use a virtual whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural with a pre-made speedboat template.
Expected results
A visual representation of the team's progress with clearly identified obstacles (anchors).
Build a session around Speedboat Retrospective
METODIC drops Speedboat Retrospective into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.