What is the Archer Retrospective?
The Archer Retrospective borrows from archery to compare what your team aimed for with what actually happened. You start by naming the target, then sort the sprint into bulls-eyes, where you hit the mark, and missed shots, where you didn't. The board has five columns. The Target sets the goal you're measuring against, so make it specific: a number, a date, a feature. Bulls Eye and Missed Shots cover the results. Focus asks what would steady your aim next time, and The Wind covers outside forces, such as shifting priorities or a third-party dependency, that could push you off course. Starting from the target keeps the conversation honest. It's hard to argue about whether something went well when the goal is written at the top of the board, and The Wind gives you a place to raise risks before they land.
Archer Retrospective Format
The Target
What were we aiming for?
Ask the team to write down what it set out to achieve, as specifically as possible. "Cut the bug backlog in half" gives you something to measure against; "improve quality" doesn't. If people remember the target differently, discuss that first.
Bulls Eye
Where did we hit the mark?
Start with the wins. Ask for specific goals the team met or beat, and what made them work, so you know which practices to keep.
Missed Shots
Where were we off the mark?
Talk about where the team fell short without looking for someone to blame. For each miss, ask what got in the way and what you'd do differently with the same target.
Focus
What will help us focus for our next shot?
Turn the discussion into changes the team can make. Push for specific, realistic actions within the team's control, and pick one or two to own before you close.
The Wind
What can cause us to go off target?
Cover the outside forces and risks that could push the team off target. For each one, decide whether you can do something about it or whether you need to plan around it.
When to use this retrospective
- When you want to compare what the team planned with what it delivered
- After a major milestone or release
- When the team keeps missing targets or deadlines and you want to find out why
- When outside factors, such as shifting priorities or dependencies, are affecting delivery
Suggested icebreaker questions
- If your last sprint was an arrow, what kind of shot would it have been?
- What's something you do outside work that takes real precision?
Want a warm-up your team plays, not just answers out loud? Browse free icebreakers →
Ideas and tips for your retrospective meeting
- Write the target at the top of the board before anyone adds notes, so everyone measures against the same goal
- Keep the discussion balanced. If Missed Shots takes the whole meeting, the team leaves without knowing what to keep doing
- Use The Wind to spot risks early and agree on how you'll handle each one
- Save most of the time for Focus, where the next actions come from
- Record what worked in Bulls Eye so you can repeat it next sprint
- Go around the room for each column so everyone gets a turn
Frequently asked questions
What is the Archer Retrospective?
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When should you use the Archer Retrospective?
What does The Wind mean in the Archer Retrospective?
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