Running a Good Scrum Standup

What is a Standup?

A standup is a short, time-boxed meeting (usually 15 minutes or less) where team members share updates on their progress, plan their work for the day, and highlight any obstacles they're facing. The name "standup" originates from the practice of holding the meeting while standing to keep it brief and focused.

The Goal of a Standup

The primary goals of a standup are to:

• Synchronize the team's efforts: Ensure everyone is on the same page and aware of what others are working on.
• Identify and resolve roadblocks: Quickly surface any issues that could hinder progress.
• Promote accountability: Encourage team members to commit to their tasks and follow through.
• Foster communication: Create a regular opportunity for team members to connect and collaborate.

Techniques for Running a Good Standup

1. The Three Questions Approach:
   • What did you do yesterday? Share what you accomplished since the last standup.
   • What will you do today? Outline your plan for the day.
   • Are there any blockers? Highlight any issues preventing progress.
2. Round-Robin Format:
   • Each team member takes turns sharing their updates. This method ensures everyone has a chance to speak and contributes to the meeting's flow.
3. Walking the Board:
   • If your team uses a task board (like Kanban or Scrum), walk through the tasks on the board, discussing updates and progress. This visual approach helps everyone see the big picture.

What to Avoid in Standups

1. Turning it into a status meeting:
   • Standups are not about reporting to a manager. They are for the team to coordinate and collaborate.
2. Dragging on:
   • Keep it short and focused. If a discussion is taking too long, move it to a separate meeting with only the relevant people.
3. Ignoring blockers:
   • If someone mentions a blocker, address it immediately or ensure it gets resolved soon after the standup.
4. Lack of preparation:
   • Encourage team members to come prepared with their updates. This keeps the meeting efficient and productive.
5. Skipping standups:
   • Consistency is key. Skipping standups can lead to miscommunication and lost momentum.

Conclusion

A well-run standup can be the backbone of an effective team, fostering communication, accountability, and swift problem-solving. By keeping the meeting short, focused, and inclusive, teams can ensure they're working together smoothly towards their common goals. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your team, and remember to avoid common pitfalls to keep your standups productive and engaging.