Drop, Add, Keep, Improve
A focused retro that mirrors the title, guiding the team to drop obstacles, add value, keep strengths, and improve processes.
Template Columns
Drop
Identify and discard practices that hinder progress.
Base column: DropAdd
Propose new ideas or practices to enhance the workflow.
Base column: AddKeep
Highlight successful practices worth preserving.
Base column: KeepImprove
Pinpoint areas for refinement and continuous growth.
Base column: ImproveAbout this template
A concise retro where the team decides what to drop, add, keep, and improve to streamline their workflow.
When to use this template
Use when you need a clear, four‑quadrant view of current practices and want quick, actionable decisions.
How to facilitate
Explain the purpose and the four columns (Drop, Add, Keep, Improve) to the team
Ask each participant to write observations or ideas on virtual sticky notes for each column
Group the notes under the appropriate column and read them aloud
Discuss the Drop column first, then Add, Keep, and Improve, allowing brief comments and voting on priority items
Select the top one or two items from each column and turn them into concrete action items
Summarize the agreed actions, assign owners and due dates, and close with a quick check‑out
Pro Tips
Encourage anonymity for sensitive Drop items to surface hidden blockers
Limit each participant to three notes per column to keep discussion focused
Use dot voting or emoji reactions to quickly prioritize items
Record action items in a shared board with clear owners and deadlines
Set a timer for each column to maintain momentum
FAQ
What if the team can’t agree on what to drop?
Facilitate a quick vote, discuss the top concerns, and if consensus remains elusive, agree to trial the most contested item for a short period and revisit.
How many items should we aim for per column?
Target 5‑7 total items across all columns; this keeps the conversation focused while still surfacing key insights.
Can we run this retro with a large group?
For groups larger than 12, split into smaller sub‑teams to generate ideas, then bring the sub‑team leads together to consolidate top items.
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At a glance
- Duration
45–60 min
- Team Size
4-12 people
- Columns
4 columns
- Base Format
Drop, Add, Keep, Improve
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective