Updated May 22, 2023
Introduction to Agile Standup
Agile Standup is like a strategy meeting that keeps the entire team in the loop about what is going on, their future objectives, tasks, and deadlines, and uses it to raise concerns or deadlocks if they face any. Analogously, players in the universe of sports often come together to discuss game plans, tactics, and strategies, determining the actions they need to implement on the field. Similarly, standup is like a meeting of the stakeholders; both internal and external can be used to discuss progress, raise issues, and seek assistance.
Discussing one’s progress and hindrance lets one know where one stands and how one contributes to the team. When other members share their progress, you come to know where you stand and the road map ahead as a team. If the team deviates from its goal, standup can serve as an excellent medium to come back on track, but obvious measures are in place so that it is easy to stick to them and such deviations do not occur in the future. Individuals can use a notepad progress tracker to keep track of their development, the next steps they need to take, and the obstacles they have faced or will face in the future.
Steps for Successful Agile Standup
Below is a list of some steps that can be followed to have a successful Agile standup:
1. Time Suitability
In today’s modern work culture, teams spread throughout the globe work on a project. Companies do this to achieve diversity in the team, hire a specialist, and if the specialist cannot travel due to any reasons, like personal requirements or if the company will bear the cost burden of relocation. A specialist can work from his native place. The diverse workforce requires us to select a time that suits everyone to participate in this agile standup and be on par with the rest of the team.
2. Efficiency
We must ensure that the material or substance is covered and members are not entirely off track. A record of issues discussed in the last agile standup should be kept, and minimum time should be taken to give updates on them and then proceed with the day’s issues. It is essential to be vigilant and ensure that all members are actively contributing, and if someone is not participating, they should be encouraged to do so.
3. Evaluate
The company should not have an agile standup just for its sake; it should add value and increase efficiency on some level. If this is not happening, there should be flexibility in the process to make changes and, if needed, completely obliterate the process. Reducing the duration of an agile standup is also a viable option. If the team is widespread globally, then complete elimination may not be a good idea as you will not know what other members are doing; in that case, reducing the duration is a good alternative.
4. Time Frame
It is important to have meetings in stipulated Time frames; members must be allotted time to discuss precise and pressing issues before the standup. This way, redundant topics would be avoided, and the focus would remain on major concerns.
5. Isolate Issues
Standup should also help senior members take note of issues and isolate them if needed. If a member is struggling, they can stand up to raise their concerns, and we can provide them with assistance or training as required.
6. Additional Requirements
Senior members can use this medium to gauge if any further requirements for the team regarding new hires, training, and additional resources may be required.
7. Stay on Point
To maintain the order of the meeting, a standard order of questions can be established; this can help maintain the meeting from going completely off track.
- Issues faced in the last meeting and progress on them.
- Target before the next meeting.
- What are the additional requirements, if any?
By having a set of questions that apply to all members, all members’ participation can be obtained, and they can have a say in the meeting. All sorts of problems should be discussed because a small problem, if untreated, can turn into a big problem later on, not only for the concerned person but if his work is dependent on others to function, the entire cycle can be clogged.
8. Maintain Decorum
It should not be forgotten that everyone is part of one team working on achieving the same target. Hence, it is essential to avoid blaming others. Members can let other members know if something is causing a hindrance in their work and collectively works on solving that.
9. Punctuality
Members need to be punctual and present for the meeting on time. This should be advocated, especially if there is a global team. As time zones differ, advocating this will help everyone stay punctual.
10. Staying on Track
Members should avoid going completely off track and remember that whatever they decide to share must be related to the topic of discussion and not talk about something completely random. Also, they should finish what they must say within the stipulated time frame and allow sufficient time for others.
11. Proactive
Lastly, agile standup meetings should not be the only time for members to communicate with each other they should reach out to their team before the next meeting if needed.
Conclusion
This will conclude that agile standup can be extremely useful if implemented successfully with little planning. But at the same time, it can also be a completely redundant exercise if not executed well.
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