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Peaks & Valleys
Why it matters?
This is a common retrospective exercise to use with teams that identifies common highs and lows throughout a sprint.
Not only can it be used to outline potential actions to minimize lows in the future, but creates an effective way to share insights, highlight differences in perspective, and excavate common values on the team.
Similarly, it’s a valuable coaching tool to gain a birds-eye view to the events and experiences that shapes an individual’s orientation.
In particular, how external highs and lows affect one’s beliefs, values and actions to shape future ones.
How it works?
1. Draw (and label) a horizontal x-axis (time) and vertical y-axis (smiley face at top/ sad face on bottom) on a board and a dotted line at the halfway mark.
2. Specify the x-axis time frame and topic (for example: “last 10 years of work” or “past 12 months in my relationship”)
3. Draw an undulating wave of 3 peaks and 3 valleys (to start - you can always do more).
4. Identify events or experiences for as 3 specific “peaks” and 3 specific “valleys” — listing the reasons why underneath.
5. Look at the result of the finished board and identify common themes in sentiment and value.
6. Capture a handful of conclusions on how you want to orient in the future around these valuable insights to either avoid low points or attract high points in the future.
Examples
Better shape your experiences by reorienting to the potential highs and lows of an event with clarity around what you value.
Sources:
Spencer Johnson, “Peaks & Valleys”