Sailboat Retrospective Template

The exercise was originally based on the Speedboat retrospective developed by Luke Hohmann. In this exercise, the sailboat serves as a metaphor for the overall project, with different elements representing specific aspects:

• Rocks - signify potential risks and impediments
• Anchors - represent issues that are slowing down progress
• Wind - stands for strengths of the team that helped in moving forward
• Sun - symbolizes positive experiences and achievements

By carefully examining and defining these areas, you can identify your team's strengths and areas that need improvement in preparation for future sprints.

When to use a Sailboat Retrospective Template?

Retrospectives are a crucial aspect of Agile teams, as they aid in enhancing sprint efficiency and leveraging the team's potential. The Sailboat Retrospective Template employs a sailboat metaphor to streamline this essential Agile ritual. The team collaboratively identifies their desired destination by analyzing what supports or obstructs their progress towards future goals.

At the conclusion of each sprint, utilize this template to evaluate successes and areas for improvement.

Benefits of the Sailboat Retrospective Template

This template serves as a convenient tool for facilitating your team's retrospective meeting. It enables team members to organize their thoughts systematically, providing a structured approach that is easy to follow. The sailboat metaphor helps individuals conceptualize their work in the context of the project's overall direction, while the pre-designed template makes it simple to add feedback and ideas using sticky notes. To ensure an effective sailboat retrospective meeting, utilize the Meeting mode feature to guide your team through each section of the template. Set a timer for each frame and control participant access on the board.

Take note of what helped you move forward and what held you back. Cherish what made you feel good and anticipate future risks.

Ask each team member to take a moment to ask each team member to sit, write, and reflect individually. Ask them to take note of any reflections that are relevant to each area of the retrospective. (4 minutes each section)

Present the notes in each frame to the whole group. Capture all of the key themes or learning on stickies. (1 minute per presentation)

Address any open questions or endeavor to discuss the next steps. (5 minutes together)

This should take 45 minutes total.

Sailboat Retrospective FAQs

How do you conduct a sailboat retro?

It is crucial to create a conducive environment for your team during a sailboat retrospective, allowing them to uncover valuable insights that may not be suitable for sharing across the organization. Adjusting your privacy board settings ensures only you and your team have access, establishing a safe space where ideas and feedback can be shared honestly. The Sailboat Retrospective Template enables you to manage the meeting session seamlessly while maintaining control over how participants add to the board. Begin by explaining the sailboat retrospective methodology and guiding your team through the meeting agenda, setting timers for each section as necessary.

After the meeting, gather insights on another frame of the same board and express gratitude towards everyone who contributed their thoughts during the retro session.