Speedboat
This is a brainstorming activity based on the boat analogy. This collaborative experience is often used by agile teams for continuous improvement (there are other applications, see Suggestions and variations).
The group, who form the crew of a boat sailing towards its goal(s) (an island), express themselves around strengths that push them forward (the wind) and weaknesses that slow them down (the anchors). This activity encourages discussion and expression to get an overview of a topic.
Suggestions and variations
You don’t have to use all 4 speedboat categories. You can easily run your session with just ‘Strengths’ and ‘Weaknesses’.
The speedboat can be used to lead a continuous improvement session for your group, but it can also help you brainstorm on other topics:
- Product/Service: with clients, you can absolutely work on their expectations thanks to the speedboat. This is a way to have them express what they don't like about your Product or Service (Weaknesses), their expectations (Goals), their frustrations (Hurdles) and what’s working (Strengths)
30 to 60+ min
2 to 50
Intermediate
Exploration
Assess what pushes the team forward and what slows them down.
Allow the group to identify the team's drivers and to improve them, as well as detect stumbling blocks in order to avoid them.
