Anchors and Wind

Purpose

Anchors and Wind is a visual thinking exercise that helps teams identify the factors holding them back (anchors) and the forces driving them forward (wind). By externalising frustrations and enablers onto a shared picture, the group moves from vague complaints to a prioritised backlog of impediments and accelerators.

At a glance

How to run

1. Set the scene (3 min): Draw a boat on water. Label the boat with the topic. Add a sun or island on the right to represent the goal.
2. Introduce anchors and wind (2 min): Anchors (below waterline) slow the boat; wind (above) pushes it forward.
3. Silent brainstorm (8 min): Each participant writes anchors and wind items on sticky notes.
4. Place and share (7 min): Participants stick notes on the boat and briefly explain each.
5. Cluster and discuss (5 min): Group similar notes. Identify heaviest anchors and strongest winds.
6. Prioritise (5 min): Dot-vote or stack-rank the top anchors to address first.

Materials needed

• Large paper or whiteboard with a boat drawing
• Sticky notes in two colours
• Markers
• Dot stickers for voting (optional)

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Skipping the wind: Teams fixate on problems. Actively prompt for positives.
• Too abstract: Insist on concrete items.
• Dominant voices: Use silent writing first.
• No follow-up: Assign owners to anchors.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Use high-contrast colours for colour-blind participants.
• Offer digital alternatives for remote participants.
• Read items aloud for visually impaired members.

Variations

• Speed Car: Car with engine and parachute instead of boat.
• Customer edition: Run with end-users for product feedback.
• Quantified edition: Add impact scores for data-driven prioritisation.

When NOT to use this

• When the team already has a prioritised backlog.
• When there is no psychological safety.
• When the group exceeds 20 people.

Source & further reading

• Luke Hohmann, *Innovation Games* (2006)
• Gamestorming: Speed Boat