The purpose of Upward Momentum is to help teams identify collaborative forces that propel them forward and those that hold them back. By using a visual metaphor of a parachute caught between uplifting winds and a grounding anchor, participants will explore both the positives and the challenges they face in achieving their goals. The game is designed to stimulate collaborative group discussion, encourage self-reflection, and promote collaboration on overcoming obstacles.
When to Use This Game Play:
This game is perfect for retrospective meetings, team-building sessions, or strategy workshops where the goal is to assess the current dynamics within a team or project. It’s especially useful when teams need to identify barriers preventing progress and discover ways to leverage the positives that are already in place.
Post-it notes (two colors: green for winds that push forward and red for anchors that pull down)
Dot stickers for voting
Timer
Dice for a bonus round (optional)
Setup:
Place the parachute chart in a central location, either on the wall or on a table.
Label the top with “Winds Moving Us Forward” and the bottom with “Anchors Pulling Us Down.”
Hand out two types of post-its (green and red) to participants.
2. Phase 1: What’s Pushing Us Forward? (10 minutes)
Objective:
Have participants identify the factors and actions that are moving the team toward success.
How It Works:
Each participant writes down their thoughts on green post-its about the positive forces (winds) that are helping the team.
After 5 minutes of writing, each person places their post-its on the “Winds Moving Us Forward” section of the chart.
Facilitator Tips:
Encourage participants to think about both internal (team collaboration, innovation) and external factors (market trends, client feedback).
Use a timer to maintain focus and keep the energy up.
3. Phase 2: What’s Pulling Us Down? (10 minutes)
Objective:
Identify the obstacles or issues (anchors) that are hindering team progress.
How It Works:
Participants now write down the factors they feel are dragging the team down on red post-its.
After 5 minutes, they add their red post-its to the “Anchors Pulling Us Down” section of the chart.
Facilitator Tips:
Encourage honesty while ensuring a blame-free environment. The goal is to uncover issues, not to assign fault.
4. Phase 3: Dot Voting and Prioritization (5 minutes)
Objective:
Narrow down the top wind (positive force) and top anchor (challenge) that the team should focus on.
How It Works:
Give each participant 2 dot stickers for the green “wind” post-its and 2 dot stickers for the red “anchor” post-its.
Ask participants to place their dots on the post-its they believe are the most important to address.
The post-it with the most votes in each category will be the focus for the next phase.
Facilitator Tips:
Use a timer to keep this phase moving quickly.
If there is a tie, use dice to decide which item gets chosen for each category.
5. Phase 4: Solution Sprint (10 minutes)
Objective:
Brainstorm actionable solutions for the selected wind and anchor.
How It Works:
Split participants into two groups. One group will brainstorm how to maximize the wind and the other will brainstorm how to overcome the anchor.
Each group writes down their solutions on post-its and shares them with the team.
Bonus Element (optional):
Roll a dice to select a “wild card” constraint for the solution (e.g., budget limit, time constraint), adding a game twist that encourages creative problem-solving.
6. Phase 5: Action Plan and Wrap-up (5 minutes)
Objective:
Create a concrete action plan based on the solutions generated.
How It Works:
As a group, decide on one or two immediate actions for each of the top wind and anchor. Assign ownership and deadlines.
Facilitator Tips:
Ensure everyone is clear on their roles in implementing the actions. Summarize the key points discussed.
Final Notes:
Upward Momentum is a powerful and engaging way to visually and collaboratively explore both the positive forces and the barriers impacting your team. It not only fosters rich discussion but also leads to tangible, actionable outcomes.
If you’re interested in enhancing your facilitation skills, take a deep dive with our Visual Facilitation Certification Course at https://visualthinkingschool.eu/courses.
By implementing this game in your next meeting, you’ll empower your team to collaboratively tackle challenges and harness the forces that will propel you forward. For additional facilitation materials and charts, check out To enhance your experience with visual facilitation tools, explore our ready-made facilitation charts available at https://visualthinkingschool.eu/charts.
Piyuesh is the founder of Visual Thinking School, Netherlands. He is passionate about empowering organizations and classrooms with Visual Thinking Skills. He conducts trainings onBusiness Sketchnotes™ , Classroom Sketchnotes™, Visual Business Storytelling™, Graphic Facilitation™
In his free time, piyuesh likes practicing Aerial Yoga, Acro yoga, Krav Maga and Pole workouts.
