TL;DR
A daily standup is a short, time-boxed meeting held each day, typically for Agile teams, where team members share updates on their progress, discuss challenges, and plan their work for the day. This practice enhances communication, collaboration, and accountability within the team.
Concept
The daily standup, also known as a daily scrum, is a key Agile practice designed to facilitate communication and coordination among team members. It is a brief meeting, usually lasting 15 minutes or less, where team members stand in a circle (hence the name) to encourage brevity and focus. The primary goal of the daily standup is to synchronize efforts, identify obstacles, and ensure that everyone is aligned on the team’s objectives.
Structure of a Daily Standup:
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Frequency: Daily standups are typically held every business day at the same time and place to establish a routine.
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Participants: All members of the development team are encouraged to attend, while stakeholders and other interested parties may join as needed.
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Format: During the meeting, each team member typically answers three key questions:
- What did I accomplish yesterday?
- What do I plan to work on today?
- Are there any blockers or challenges preventing me from making progress?
The daily standup is a vital practice in Agile methodologies that enhances team communication, accountability, and collaboration. By conducting effective daily standups, teams can ensure alignment on goals, quickly identify and resolve challenges, and maintain a steady pace of progress in their development efforts. Regularly engaging in this practice contributes to a more cohesive and productive team environment.
