What is Archer retrospective?
The Archer retrospective is a creative retrospective idea that helps your team focus on their goals. Participants look at what they were aiming to achieve in their last sprint, and whether or not they did. They then consider what could bring focus to the next iteration and any risks or distractions they should keep in mind as they progress.
Like an archer, the team is encouraged to direct all thoughts and efforts towards hitting their target ( sprint goal). Before they launch themselves into their next sprint, they consider how they can improve. This can offer the team the chance to view their last sprint from a fresh perspective as well as reducing distractions that will put them off target.
Archer retrospective format
The Target
What were we aiming for? What value did we wish to deliver? What was the purpose of our last sprint?
Bulls Eye
Where did we hit the mark? What did we get right? What went perfectly to plan?
Missed Shots
Where were we off the mark? What didn’t go as planned? What weren’t we able to do?
Focus
What will help us focus for our next shot? What is distracting us? What is needed to bring clarity?
The Wind
What can cause us to go off target? What are our unknowns? What risks could we encounter?
Suggested icebreaker questions for Archer retrospective
- What helps to keep you on target?
- Which is better, missing a target by a mile or barely missing it at all?
- When have you been way off target, and what did you learn?
- What are your biggest distractions that take your eye off the target?
Retro Rehearsal
Watch this video. Assume its goal was to convince you archery was exciting. Now use The Archer retrospective to review the video and shape what the creators should do next.
Ideas and tips for Archer retrospective
- Share the retrospective prior to the meeting to allow people to add their ideas asynchronously beforehand. This will let people respond at a time that best suits them and may help to enhance their focus on the task. It will also free up more meeting time for discussion.
- Make the most of your presentation mode and drill down into ideas at the brainstorming, grouping as well as the discussion stages of your analysis. This will let those who contributed the input the chance to explain and feel heard.
- Use the way teams vote to manage priorities. This allows you to discuss key items and then move them into the relevant groups or columns as needed.
- Timebox discussions to help keep conversations on track.
- Help people bring focus to the room with an icebreaker.
How to run Archer retrospective in TeamRetro
Start your retrospective in a click
Log into TeamRetro and choose your sprint retrospective template.
Discuss the most important things first
You and your team discuss the top voted ideas and can capture deep dive comments. Presentation mode allows you to walk your team through ideas one-by-one and keep the conversation focused.
Review and create actions
Easily facilitate discussion by bringing everyone onto the same page. Create action items, assign owners and due dates that will carry through for review at the next retrospective.
Share the results
Once you have finished your retro, you can share the results and actions with the team. Your retro will be stored so you can revisit them as needed.