When I read what Kent Beck recently wrote about the Daily Stand Up (see link below) it stood out as essential. It was about being individuals with independent lives first and foremost. Yet it also tapped into the wisdom of Scrum that Jim Coplien speaks to all of the time and is thoroughly covered in the The ScrumBook.org
For even experienced Scrum Masters, even when they know better, the Daily Scrum or StandUp is a missed opportunity to engage and commit. Please consider the following guidance.
The Daily Standup: Your Scrum Team's Secret Weapon
The daily standup, also known as the daily scrum, is a cornerstone of the Scrum framework. It's a short, time-boxed meeting where your team comes together to synchronize their work and plan for the day ahead. But don't let its brevity fool you – when done right, the daily standup can be a powerful tool for boosting your team's productivity and morale.
Let's dive into some tips for making the most of your daily standups, inspired by Jim Coplien's scrum patterns:
1. Keep it Short and Sweet:
● Timebox: Stick to the 15-minute limit. This ensures everyone stays focused and gets back to their tasks promptly.
● Stand Up: Literally! Standing up helps keep the meeting energetic and discourages long-winded discussions.
2. Focus on the Three Questions:
● What did I do yesterday? This highlights individual progress and contributions.
● What will I do today? This sets clear intentions and expectations for the day.
● Do I have any blockers? This identifies obstacles and allows the team to collaborate on solutions.
3. The Art of the Information Radiator:
● Visualize: Use a whiteboard or digital tool to track your sprint progress, making it a "radiator" of information for everyone to see.
● Update: Keep the information up-to-date to maintain transparency and a shared understanding of the team's progress.
4. Coplien's Scrum Patterns for Deeper Insights:
● Pig and Chicken: Remember the classic Scrum joke? The pig is committed (bacon in the breakfast), the chicken is involved (eggs). Ensure everyone on your team is a pig, fully committed to the sprint goals.
● Impediment Backlog: Create a backlog to track and address those pesky blockers. This ensures they don't get forgotten and are dealt with efficiently.
● Walking the Board: During the standup, "walk" through the tasks on your board (physically or digitally). This reinforces the visual aspect of your information radiator and encourages discussion.
5. Beyond the Basics: Additional Tips:
● Rotate Facilitator: Let each team member take turns leading the standup to foster a sense of ownership and engagement.
● Celebrate Wins: Take a moment to acknowledge achievements, big or small. It boosts morale and motivates the team.
● Experiment and Adapt: Don't be afraid to try new things and adjust your approach based on what works best for your team.
Conclusion:
The daily standup isn't just a meeting; it's a ritual that reinforces your team's commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement. By implementing these tips and embracing the wisdom of Jim Coplien's scrum patterns, you can transform your daily standup into a powerful catalyst for success.
Remember, the daily standup is your team's opportunity to connect, align, and set themselves up for a productive day. Make it count!
