Seven Tips for Running a Virtual Daily Scrum

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the importance of agile practices has increased, especially for teams working remotely. The author shares seven tips to run a virtual daily scrum effectively.

1. Find a time that works for everyone – Consider time‑zone differences and choose an overlapping slot that minimizes inconvenience, possibly sharing the burden across sub‑teams.

2. Allocate extra time for personal conversation – Add five minutes at the start of the stand‑up for informal chat about non‑work topics to reduce isolation.

3. Turn on cameras – Use video (e.g., Zoom speaker view) so participants can see each other’s faces, improving non‑verbal communication and focus.

4. Visualize team data – Share burn‑down charts, sprint goals, or backlog screens during the meeting to keep everyone aligned on progress.

5. Be creative with communication methods – Employ visual cue cards (e.g., “you’re muted”, “you’re lagging”, “enough, let’s move on”) to signal issues quickly, using physical or digital cards.

6. Leverage online tools to improve the meeting – Use collaboration platforms such as Slack, Range, or Standuply for synchronous or asynchronous stand‑ups, allowing flexibility while preserving the meeting’s purpose.

7. Talk about personal life – Reserve time before or after the stand‑up for team members to share family stories, pets, or hobbies, fostering trust and camaraderie.

Overall, teams should adapt traditional stand‑up practices to the remote‑first world by experimenting with these strategies and selecting what works best for their context.