Daily Stand-up (Daily Scrum)
The Daily Stand-up, also known as Daily Scrum, is a short and time-boxed meeting that takes place every day during a Sprint in Scrum. It is a key event for the Scrum team to synchronize activities, discuss progress, and plan for the day ahead.
Key points about the Daily Stand-up include:
- Time-Boxed: The Daily Stand-up is typically time-boxed to 15 minutes or less. This ensures that the meeting remains focused and efficient, allowing team members to get back to work quickly.
- Same Time and Place: The meeting is held at the same time and place every day to establish a routine and make it a consistent part of the team’s daily work.
- Team Attendance: The Daily Stand-up involves the entire Scrum team, including the Development Team, Scrum Master, and Product Owner. Other stakeholders may attend as observers but do not actively participate.
- Three Questions: Each team member answers three specific questions during the meeting:
- What did I accomplish yesterday?
- What will I work on today?
- Are there any impediments or blockers that are preventing progress?
- Focus on Sprint Goal: The Daily Stand-up helps the team stay focused on the Sprint Goal and the work required to achieve it. It promotes transparency and accountability among team members.
- Self-Organization: The Daily Stand-up is an opportunity for the team to self-organize, collaborate, and make decisions collectively. It empowers team members to coordinate their efforts and offer assistance if needed.
- Scrum Master Facilitation: The Scrum Master facilitates the Daily Stand-up, ensuring that the meeting stays on track, everyone has a chance to speak, and any impediments are noted for resolution.
- Visual Aid: Some teams use visual aids, such as a Scrum board or task board, to track progress during the Daily Stand-up. This provides a clear visualization of work items and their status.
- No Detailed Problem Solving: While the Daily Stand-up is an opportunity to identify impediments, it is not the time for detailed problem-solving discussions. Any complex issues are best addressed outside the meeting.
The Daily Stand-up fosters transparency, communication, and alignment within the Scrum team. It allows team members to identify potential roadblocks early and adjust their plans accordingly. By maintaining a regular cadence of daily meetings, the team can stay focused, adaptable, and responsive to changes, ensuring successful progress toward the Sprint Goal.