I got into the concept of looking at projects from the perspective of defining what is wind and what are anchors in your projects. This approach of identifying and visualising the status of the agile project is called Sailboat Retrospective.

In the realm of project management, particularly in agile retrospectives, the Sailboat Retrospective technique stands out. This metaphorical approach, using the sailboat as a visual aid, helps teams identify the strengths and weaknesses of their projects. By understanding the elements of the sailboat, you can steer your project towards success.

Wind (Helping Teams): The wind represents what went well with your previous sprint. It’s what propels the sailboat (the project) forward. These could be effective strategies, productive team dynamics, successful implementations, etc., that have positively influenced the project.

Anchors (Delaying Issues): Anchors symbolise what held your sprint back. These could be challenges, bottlenecks, or any issues that inhibited your team from progressing as much. Identifying these anchors helps the team to address and overcome these obstructions in future sprints.

Rocks (Risks): Rocks represent potential risks or obstacles for your sprint. These are potential problems that could damage the project if not addressed.

Land (The Goal): The land is where your boat is headed. It represents your goal or vision for the sprint and can include both long-term and short-term objectives for the agile team.

During a Sailboat Retrospective, the team comes together to share their insights on each component of the sailboat. These thoughts are then written on sticky notes, placed on a whiteboard, and reviewed collectively. This collaborative process fosters brainstorming and open discussion, leading to a list of actionable items for future sprints. It’s a visual and engaging way for your team to collectively evaluate your previous sprint and chart the best way forward.