Daily Scrum (a.k.a. “stand-up”)
In this article, we’ll talk about how to effectively run a Daily Scrum (a.k.a. “stand-up”) as well as offer great tips and tricks that you can use. This will hopefully will make your stand-ups (and your overall agile experience) awesome!
What?
The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event for the Developers of the Scrum Team. To reduce complexity, it is held at the same time and place every working day of the Sprint.
Daily Scrums improve communications, identify impediments, promote quick decision-making, and consequently eliminate the need for other meetings.
The Daily Scrum is not the only time team members are allowed to adjust their plan. They often meet throughout the day for more detailed discussions about adapting or re-planning the rest of the Sprint’s work.
Why?
Through alignment and collaboration, the Daily Scrum helps to keep squads on tack and focussed, maximising their ability to achieve the Sprint Goals.
Who?
- The whole squad
- Any observers (silent, no questions)
- Lead by the Development team
- Facilitated by the Scrum Master (if required)
When?
The squad has a recurring meeting invite (organised by someone in the squad). The meeting is preferably set for the morning everyday, virtual meeting details included to support “work from anywhere”
Establish an expectation with all squad members that attendance is mandatory.
If it’s a co-located squad stand-up space, make sure you have your Scrum Board visible on the screen. During the session, walk through the cards on the board
If it’s a virtual stand-up, establish an expectation that updates should be provided to the screen-shared Scrum Board in the tool (e.g. JIRA)
How?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
 Assemble |  Either by huddling around a co-located display or by sharing the Jira project board in MS Teams / Zoom. |
 Answer 3 Questions |  Every squad member takes turns to talk User Stories, Tasks or Bugs on the Scrum Board should be moved as the update is given, or just before the stand-up takes place. – What did I do yesterday? – What will I work on today? – Are there any impediments or blockers and do I need any help from anyone? Answer questions in relation to the sprint goals. |
 Lookout for Dormant Work |  |
 “The 16th Minute” |  If a closer look at a certain issue or problem discussion is required between two or more squad members – these matters are “taken offline” sometimes called “the 16th Minute” or “after party” to be discussed after the stand-up. – Follow up on impediments – Discussions – Smaller Group conversations |
Tips and Tricks
- Only talk to the Sprint Goals when answering the 3 questions i.e. What did I do yesterday to achieve the sprint goals? etc. This will powerup your stand-up and make it more efficient.
- Too many columns in your workflow? Create a Jira board just for stand-up by having just “To do”, “In Progress” and “Done”.
- This ceremony is not a problem solving session. Identified issues are resolved offline
- Move the cards through the board to provide visibility, indicate next steps required and align across the Squad members.
- Dial-in non-located Squad members and consider rotating who facilitates the stand-up.
- Visualise blockers by flagging them on the board, with Owners clearly assigned.
Anti Patterns
Try to avoid these anti patterns in your Daily Scrum.
An anti pattern is a commonly-used process, structure or pattern of action that, despite initially appearing to be an appropriate and effective response to a problem, has more bad consequences than good ones.
