Retree

Retro template

DAKI: Drop, Add, Keep, Improve

DAKI asks what to drop or add and what to keep or improve.

Start a DAKI: Drop, Add, Keep, Improve retroAll templates

Drop

What should we drop?

  • Drop the second config approval
  • Drop the release spreadsheet

Add

What should we add?

  • Add a smoke test after deploys
  • Add a written definition of done

Keep

What should we keep?

  • Keep the design note before big work
  • Keep deploying on Thursdays

Improve

What should we improve?

  • Improve the pull request template
  • Improve CI time
  • 4 lanesPrefilled the moment you start.
  • Writing timer 8 minSuggested for the preparation stage.
  • Best forTeams that want decisions rather than observations.

How it runs

  1. Preparation

    Everyone writes in private for 8 minutes.

  2. Grouping

    Group Drop and Improve cards by the thing they name.

  3. Voting

    3 votes each, so the team picks the changes it makes.

  4. Discussion

    Take the Keep items quickly, then spend the time on Improve.

  5. Finished

    Every surviving card becomes an action item with an owner.

Column by column

  • Drop

    What should we drop?

    Work or rules that cost more than they return. Name what disappears on Monday.

    • Drop the second config approval
    • Drop the release spreadsheet

  • Add

    What should we add?

    Things the team does not have yet, small enough to run next sprint.

    • Add a smoke test after deploys
    • Add a written definition of done

  • Keep

    What should we keep?

    What works and should survive this board. Naming it is a decision rather than praise.

    • Keep the design note before big work
    • Keep deploying on Thursdays

  • Improve

    What should we improve?

    Things worth keeping whose shape is wrong. Write what better would look like.

    • Improve the pull request template
    • Improve CI time

Best for

  • Teams that want decisions rather than observations.
  • Reviewing a tool or a way of working after months.
  • Teams choosing what to do about problems they already named.

Pick another template when

Tips

  • Write each card as a proposal with a verb and a size.
  • If a card fits Drop and Improve, ask whether you would rebuild it.
  • Cap Add at 2 items per retro.

Questions

  • What does DAKI stand for?

    Drop and Add; Keep and Improve. The board asks all 4 about one way of working.

  • How is DAKI different from Start, Stop, Continue?

    Improve is the difference. It lets the team keep something and change its shape.

  • When should we pick another board?

    Use DAKI when the team already knows what is wrong. After a hard sprint, start with feelings.

  • Is the DAKI template free?

    Yes. All 11 Retree templates are free, with no account and no paywall.

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