DRI Responsibilities
Directly Responsible Individual - the one person responsible for delivery.
TL;DR
- One person owns each initiative end-to-end
- Max 2 sprints per epic
- DRI coordinates, doesn't execute alone
- Weekly sync to track progress and unblock
What DRIs Do
- Schedule meetings - Own the communication cadence
- Break down epics - Clear stories, test cases, acceptance criteria
- Maintain tracker - Keep on track, escalate blockers early
Tech DRIs
- May or may not code, but not the sole executor
- Can reallocate team members when needed
- Ask for help when off track
- Weekly meeting: share progress, blockers, learnings
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: DRI Does Everything
DRI becomes bottleneck. Team disengaged.
Fix: DRI coordinates and delegates. Not the sole executor.
Mistake 2: Multiple DRIs
No one is actually responsible. Blame game starts.
Fix: One DRI per initiative. They can delegate, but ownership is clear.
Mistake 3: DRI Without Authority
Can't make decisions or reallocate resources. Blocked constantly.
Fix: Give DRI authority to make decisions and adjust team composition.
Mistake 4: No Weekly Sync
DRIs work in silos. Miss opportunities to help each other.
Fix: Weekly DRI sync. Share blockers, wins, insights.
Related: Rock Sizing • DRI Weekly Sync