Three Wise Monkeys Retrospective

Background: The Three Wise Monkeys originated, by some accounts, in Nikko Japan on the temple Tosho-gu. They are named Mizaru (See No Evil), Kikazaru (Hear No Evil), and Iwazaru (Speak No Evil). They often refer to turning a blind eye to current happenings, but also a nod to clean living. Representations of the monkeys are sprinkled all over the world’s culture in various ways: statues, t-shirts, travel souvenirs, and Christmas ornaments, sometimes with the addition of a fourth monkey, “Have No Fun.” There is even a wine whose label features the monkeys and the name “Pinot Evil.” Mahatma Gandhi's one exception to his lifestyle of non-possession was a small statue of the Three Wise Monkeys.

Supplies:

Sticky notes
Pens
Three Monkey graphic cut in three

Activity:

1. Tape each monkey to the wall, whiteboard, or large piece of paper.
2. Create a columns that labels each monkey. You can use “Saw, Heard, Said,” or “External, Internal, Action,” or anything else that seems appropriate to you.
3. Create rows for “Went Well,” “Didn’t Go Well,” “What We Can Do Better.”
4. Hand out sticky notes and pens and ask participants to write anything of note in the sprint that they can think of to fit in the grid.
5. Group sticky notes and discuss successes and potential improvements.

Choose one as an action item to work on during the next sprint. Hang it in the team area along with the appropriate monkey.

Download the file for directions and monkey graphic.

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three_monkeys_retro__1_.pdf
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File Type:	pdf

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