What is a Standup Meeting?

A standup meeting is a type of brief, daily meeting that is typically held while participants stand, rather than sit. The purpose of standing is to keep the meeting short and focused. Standup meetings are common in agile development practices, particularly in software development and other collaborative work environments.

Key Characteristics of Standup Meetings:

1. Short Duration: Standup meetings usually last between 5 to 15 minutes. The idea is to quickly share information and avoid lengthy discussions.

2. Daily Schedule: These meetings are typically held at the same time every day, often at the start of the workday, to align the team and set priorities for the day.

3. Focus on Progress and Blockers: During a standup meeting, each team member briefly answers three main questions:

   • What did I accomplish yesterday?

   • What will I work on today?

   • Are there any obstacles or blockers?

   This format helps team members stay informed about each other's progress and identify any issues that might need to be addressed to keep the project moving smoothly.

4. Standing Position: Participants remain standing to encourage brevity and keep the meeting concise. The physical discomfort of standing for too long discourages lengthy discussions, helping to maintain the meeting’s focus.

5. Team Alignment and Communication: Standup meetings enhance team communication, foster collaboration, and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding project progress and priorities.

Benefits of Standup Meetings:

• Improved Communication: Regular updates help team members stay aligned and understand what others are working on.

• Increased Accountability: Sharing daily tasks and progress increases accountability among team members.

• Quick Identification of Issues: Any blockers or issues are identified early, allowing the team to address them promptly.

• Encouragement of Team Collaboration: By regularly communicating and discussing work, teams foster a collaborative environment.

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Standup meetings are an essential practice in agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban, where they are often referred to as "daily standups" or "daily scrums." They are used to improve efficiency, maintain momentum, and keep teams aligned toward their goals.

References & Related info:

Scrumguides.org

Download the Scrum Guide