Is your team maximising the benefits of the daily stand-up?

The daily stand-up, also known as the daily scrum, is a short and time-boxed meeting that is a core component of the Scrum framework. Here are the basics of the daily stand-up in Scrum:

1. Purpose and Goal: The primary purpose of the daily stand-up is to foster collaboration, communication, and coordination among the Scrum team members. The goal is to provide a brief update on progress, identify any obstacles or issues, and align efforts towards achieving the sprint goal.
2. Time and Duration: The daily stand-up is typically held at the same time and place every day, preferably in the morning, and should not exceed 15 minutes. The time constraint encourages participants to focus on the most essential information and keeps the meeting efficient.
3. Participants: The meeting involves the core Scrum team, including the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team members. Other stakeholders may observe the meeting but are generally not active participants unless invited by the Scrum team.
4. Three Questions: The structure of the daily stand-up revolves around each team member answering three key questions:

• What did I accomplish since the last daily stand-up?
• What am I planning to accomplish by the next daily stand-up?
• Are there any obstacles or issues impeding my progress?

Each team member takes turns sharing their updates, following the prescribed order or going clockwise around the team.

1. Focus on the Sprint Goal: The daily stand-up is centred around the sprint goal, representing the current sprint's primary objective. Team members align their updates and plans with the sprint goal to ensure collective progress towards its completion.
2. Facilitation by the Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates the daily stand-up, ensuring that it stays on track and within the time limit. They also help to identify and address any obstacles or issues raised by team members, ensuring that they are appropriately handled and resolved.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving: If any issues or obstacles are identified during the daily stand-up, team members collaborate to find solutions or determine appropriate actions. This collaborative problem-solving approach enables timely resolution and maintains the momentum of the sprint.
4. Minimal Detail, Focus on Impediments: The daily stand-up is not intended for detailed discussions or problem deep-dives. Its purpose is to surface high-level information and identify impediments. Detailed discussions are best held in separate sessions or outside the stand-up to prevent derailing the meeting.
5. Transparency and Accountability: The daily stand-up promotes transparency by ensuring everyone is aware of each other's progress and challenges. It encourages team members to be accountable for their commitments and fosters a sense of shared responsibility towards the sprint's success.
6. Iterative Improvement: The daily stand-up allows the team to reflect on their progress, adapt their plans if needed, and continuously improve their work processes. It facilitates a regular feedback loop, allowing the team to refine their approach and enhance productivity over time.

Remember, the daily stand-up is a brief and focused meeting designed to keep the Scrum team synchronised and aligned. By adhering to its principles and structure, teams can maximise collaboration, address impediments promptly, and maintain a steady pace towards achieving their sprint goals.

Agilent Europe, Middle East & Africa Scrum.org Scrum Master @standupremotely