Standup

What is a Standup?

A standup is a quick team meeting where everyone gets to say what they’re working on.

Detailed Explanation

A standup, also known as a standup meeting or daily scrum, is a short meeting that agile teams often use to sync on their work. This practice is a fundamental part of the Scrum framework, which is a popular Agile methodology. Imagine a team of friends planning their day at a theme park – who will do what and any problems they might face. Standups in a SaaS company are similar, with team members quickly discussing their tasks, progress, and any obstacles they’re facing.

Team members in a circle discussing their tasks during a standup meeting.
Daily Standup Planning. Source: Agile Scrum Group

Why Standup Matters?

For a SaaS CEO or CMO, standups are like a morning coffee for your team. They wake everyone up, get them on the same page, and help identify problems early. They encourage communication, foster collaboration, and improve team productivity, which can be crucial for delivering excellent software and services.

Potential Misunderstandings

One common misunderstanding is that standups are lengthy status meetings. They’re not. They’re supposed to be quick and focused on the day’s work. If they start taking too long, it could be a sign that something’s not working well.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long should a standup last?
    A good standup is usually around 15 minutes long. It’s enough to cover what each team member is working on without dragging on.
  2. Who should attend a standup?
    Everyone on the team should attend the standup. It’s a chance for everyone to sync up and understand what the team is working on.
  3. Can remote teams have standups?
    Absolutely. Remote teams can have virtual standups. There are also tools and apps that help remote teams run standups effectively.