Whether you are planning ahead or looking to review a project that recently wrapped, applying structured reflection before moving ahead is a necessary skill for any leader. Luckily, there’s a simple agile method that does not require time-consuming analysis, remains effective, and leaders can use themselves and their teams: DAKI, which stands for Drop, Add, Keep, and Improve.
This agile framework, originally embraced by project managers for retrospectives, has evolved into a versatile tool that serves everyone from startup founders to enterprise executives. Its power lies not in its complexity, but in its ability to generate clear, actionable insights while promoting meaningful team dialogue.
The Power of Structured Reflection
Reflection is often underutilized in leadership. In the rush to tackle the next big challenge, it’s easy to overlook the lessons embedded in past experiences. Yet, those lessons are gold mines for improvement.
Think of DAKI as your project compass – a tool that helps navigate between what’s working and what needs to change. It creates a focused conversation around four essential questions that drive business success.
Implementing DAKI
Setting the Stage
Begin by creating a visual representation of the four categories. Use a whiteboard, digital collaboration tool, or even paper. Divide your workspace into four sections labeled: Drop, Add, Keep, and Improve.
Reflection and Brainstorming
Allocate 10-15 minutes for reflection, either individually or as a team. Participants should list items in each category:
- Drop: Identify time-consuming or misaligned activities that hinder progress.
- Add: Suggest resources, tools, or strategies that could have enhanced the process.
- Keep: Highlight successful elements worth continuing in future projects.
- Improve: Outline areas where small changes could yield significant benefits.
Facilitating Discussion
Gather the team and facilitate an open conversation. This step is where insights deepen. Sometimes an item categorized under “Drop” reveals hidden potential after discussion, or something to “Keep” is upgraded to “Improve.”
Create Actionable Outcomes
Reflection alone isn’t enough—action is key. Assign ownership to items in the Add and Improve categories. For example, if a team identifies a skill gap under “Add,” assign someone to research training options.
Making DAKI Part of Your Leadership Playbook
To add more substance to your DAKI sessions, consider the following enhancements:
Prioritization Exercise
After the initial discussion, introduce a prioritization step. Have the team vote on the most critical items in each category. This helps focus efforts on high-impact changes.
Action Planning
Transform insights into actionable steps. For each key item identified, develop a brief action plan that includes:
• Specific tasks
• Responsible team members
• Timelines for implementation
Metrics for Success
Establish measurable goals for the “Add” and “Improve” categories. This will help track progress and demonstrate the impact of changes over time.
Regular Check-ins
Schedule periodic reviews to assess the implementation of DAKI outcomes. This ensures accountability and allows for course corrections if needed.
Why It Works
Reflection is vital, but structured reflection is transformative.
Here’s why DAKI resonates with leaders:
- It Clears the Noise: By identifying what to drop, you free up time and resources for what truly matters.
- It Fosters Innovation: Adding new ideas keeps your team agile and ready to pivot.
- It Builds Momentum: Recognizing what to keep reinforces success and boosts morale.
- It Embraces Growth: Small improvements compound over time, building a culture of continuous learning.
Start the Year With Clarity
The DAKI method offers a structured yet flexible approach to reflection and planning. The key to its effectiveness lies in its simplicity and the honest, collaborative discussions it promotes among team members. If you embark on using DAKI on your own, it also prompts reflections on how your time was allocated to projects. Remember, the best leaders don’t just move forward; they reflect, recalibrate, and refocus. This activity will leave your team feeling positively engaged with the contributions they have made to their projects, and also gives them the opportunity to move ahead with more clarity.