The Navigating the Waves facilitation game is designed to help teams identify the obstacles that are propelling them forward (waves) and those that are holding them back (anchor). This exercise uses a ship as a metaphor for the team, with waves representing positive momentum and the anchor symbolizing challenges. The game promotes open discussion, problem-solving, and collaborative planning for overcoming obstacles while harnessing what’s already working.
When to Use This Facilitation Game Play:
This facilitation game is ideal for team retrospectives, strategic planning, and project evaluations. Use it when you want to reflect on progress, uncover blockers, and find ways to optimize team performance. It’s especially effective when the team is navigating a period of change or uncertainty.
To enhance your experience with visual facilitation tools, explore our ready-made facilitation charts available at https://visualthinkingschool.eu/charts.
Game Phases:
1. Preparation (5 minutes)
Materials Needed:
Ship and anchor facilitation chart
Post-it notes (two colors: blue for waves and red for anchors)
Dot stickers for voting
Timer
Dice for bonus challenge (optional)
Setup:
Display the ship and anchor facilitation chart prominently.
Label the waves at the top as “Waves Moving Us Forward” and the anchor at the bottom as “Anchors Holding Us Back.”
Distribute blue and red post-its to participants.
2. Phase 1: Identifying the Waves (10 minutes)
Objective:
Highlight the positive forces and efforts pushing the team forward.
How It Works:
Each participant reflects on what’s driving progress and writes their ideas on blue post-its (waves).
After 5 minutes, participants stick their blue post-its onto the “Waves Moving Us Forward” section of the chart.
Facilitator Tips:
Encourage participants to think beyond just the obvious—factors like effective communication, timely decisions, or strong leadership may be part of the “waves.”
Set a timer to maintain the pace.
3. Phase 2: Identifying the Anchors (10 minutes)
Objective:
Identify the challenges and obstacles slowing the team’s progress.
How It Works:
Participants now focus on what’s holding the team back and write these on red post-its (anchors).
After 5 minutes, they place their red post-its on the “Anchors Holding Us Back” section of the chart.
Facilitator Tips:
Foster a non-judgmental atmosphere to ensure participants feel comfortable sharing even sensitive issues.
Set a timer to keep this phase focused.
4. Phase 3: Dot Voting and Prioritization (5 minutes)
Objective:
Prioritize the top wave (positive driver) and top anchor (challenge) that the team will focus on.
How It Works:
Each participant receives 2 dot stickers for the blue post-its and 2 for the red post-its.
They vote for the most impactful wave and the most significant anchor by placing their dots on the corresponding post-its.
The items with the most dots are chosen for action planning.
Facilitator Tips:
If there’s a tie, roll a dice to determine the final top items. This adds a fun element to the game.
5. Phase 4: Solution Brainstorm (10 minutes)
Objective:
Brainstorm ways to amplify the wave and mitigate the impact of the anchor.
How It Works:
Divide participants into two groups: one group focuses on how to strengthen the wave, and the other on how to address the anchor.
Each group writes down solutions or action steps on post-its and presents them to the larger group.
Bonus Element (optional):
Use dice to introduce a challenge. For example, roll a dice to determine a “constraint” (e.g., limited time or resources) that teams must account for in their solutions.
6. Phase 5: Action Planning and Wrap-up (5 minutes)
Objective:
Develop an action plan with clear next steps based on the solutions discussed.
How It Works:
As a team, agree on 1–2 immediate actions for the chosen wave and anchor. Assign responsibility and set deadlines to ensure follow-through.
Facilitator Tips:
Summarize the key points and ensure everyone understands their role in implementing the solutions.
Final Notes:
Navigating the Waves is a dynamic and collaborative way to assess both the positive momentum and obstacles your team faces. This game helps foster reflection, transparency, and actionable outcomes.
If you’d like to take your facilitation skills to the next level, consider enrolling in our Visual Facilitation Certification Course at https://visualthinkingschool.eu/courses. This course will give you the skills to lead creative, productive sessions with confidence!
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.
