Overview
The Daily Standup (also called Daily Scrum) is a brief, time-boxed meeting within agile methodologies where development teams synchronize their work, discuss progress, and identify any obstacles. It's a core practice in Scrum and other agile frameworks designed to foster collaboration and adaptability.
Key Characteristics
- Duration: Maximum 15 minutes (strictly time-boxed)
- Frequency: Every working day
- Timing: Same time and place each day
- Participants: Development team (mandatory), Scrum Master and Product Owner (optional)
- Format: Quick check-in, not detailed problem-solving
- Standing: Traditionally held standing up to keep it brief
Traditional Three Questions
Historically, each team member answered:
- What did I do yesterday to help the team achieve the sprint goal?
- What will I do today to help the team achieve the sprint goal?
- What obstacles are keeping me or the team from reaching the sprint goal?
Note: The 2020 Scrum Guide removed these specific questions, emphasizing that teams should focus on progress toward the sprint goal in whatever way works best for them.
Modern Approach
Instead of rigid questions, teams now focus on:
- Progress toward sprint goal
- Planned work for the day
- Impediments and blockers
- Opportunities for collaboration
- Emerging risks or issues
- Adjustments needed to stay on track
Benefits
For Teams:
- Promotes daily collaboration and communication
- Increases transparency across team
- Identifies blockers quickly before they become major issues
- Fosters accountability and commitment
- Improves team coordination
- Builds team cohesion and trust
- Reduces need for other meetings
For Projects:
- Keeps everyone aligned on goals
- Enables rapid course correction
- Improves productivity through coordination
- Surfaces dependencies early
- Maintains sprint momentum
- Reduces risk of sprint failure
Best Practices
Timing and Structure:
- Hold at same time every day
- Keep strictly to 15 minutes
- Start on time even if people are late
- Use timer to enforce time limit
- Stand up (if in person) to encourage brevity
- Schedule at time that works for all team members
Participation:
