The Daily Scrum is a crucial event in the Scrum framework. It is a daily 15-minute meeting where the developers inspect progress towards achieving the Sprint Goal and adapt their plan to stay aligned with the goal. On this page, we’ll dive into the details of the Daily Scrum and guide how to make it effective.
When is the best time to do a Daily Scrum? The Daily Scrum should occur at the same time and place every day. It should be scheduled to occur during the working hours of the developers. The most common time to hold a Daily Scrum is in the morning, as it helps the team plan their work for the day. However, some teams find that holding it at the end of the day works better for them.
Who should attend the Daily Scrum? The Daily Scrum is for the developers. The Scrum Master and the Product Owner may attend but are there as observers. The developers use the Daily Scrum to synchronize their work and make a plan for the next 24 hours to achieve the Sprint Goal.
What is the purpose of the Daily Scrum? The purpose of the Daily Scrum is for the developers to determine the best plan to stay aligned with achieving the Sprint Goal by the end of the sprint. The three questions asked during the Daily Scrum:
- What did I do yesterday that helped the team meet the Sprint Goal
- What will I do today to help the team meet the Sprint Goal
- What, if anything, do I see any impediment that prevents the team or me from meeting the Sprint Goal?
These questions are optional; the developers should change them if they see a better option. The goal of the Daily Scrum is paramount; the questions are merely a way to get there.
How long should the Daily Scrum take? The Daily Scrum should be timeboxed to 15 minutes or less. The Scrum Master ensures that the meeting is kept within the timebox. If the team identifies a problem requiring more discussion, they can schedule a separate meeting outside the Daily Scrum to address it.
Best practices for the Daily Scrum:
- Stand up during the meeting to keep it short and focused.
- Everyone should be present and on time.
- Avoid problem-solving during the meeting.
- Focus on the Sprint Goal.
- Keep the discussion transparent and open.
For more information on the Daily Scrum, check out our blog post on “Mastering the Daily Scrum: Tips and Best Practices.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can the Daily Scrum be longer than 15 minutes?
A: The Daily Scrum should be timeboxed to 15 minutes or less to stay focused on the Sprint Goal. If the team identifies a problem requiring more discussion, they can schedule a separate meeting outside the Daily Scrum to address it.
Q: Who should lead the Daily Scrum?
A: The developers are responsible for conducting the Daily Scrum. However, the Scrum Master may help facilitate the meeting if necessary.
Q: What happens if someone cannot attend the Daily Scrum?
A: All developers must attend the Daily Scrum, but they should inform the team in advance if someone cannot attend. The team can then decide how to proceed, such as conducting the Daily Scrum without the absent team member or rescheduling the meeting for later.
Q: What if the team has more than nine developers?
A: If the Development Team has more than nine developers, the team may find it helpful to divide into smaller groups for the Daily Scrum.
Q: What if a team member has nothing to report during the Daily Scrum?
A: It’s okay if a team member has nothing to report during the Daily Scrum. The important thing is that everyone is present and that they are actively engaged in the meeting.
At Artisan Agility, we believe that the Daily Scrum is a critical event that enables the developers to stay aligned with the Sprint Goal and achieve their objectives. By following the best practices outlined in this page and our blog posts, you can ensure that your Daily Scrums are effective and productive.
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