TomlTech Standup Format

Schedule

Daily at 9:15 AM. Not 9:00 because "nobody is ready at 9:00." Not 9:30 because "that's practically 10:00."

Format

Each person answers three questions:

1. What did you do yesterday?
2. What are you doing today?
3. Any blockers?

Rules

• Maximum 2 minutes per person
• No problem-solving during standup (take it offline)
• No laptops (phones are somehow fine)
• If you say "no blockers" and then describe a blocker, that counts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do we really need a spec for standups? A: After the incident where a standup lasted 47 minutes because someone presented a slideshow, yes.

Q: What if I'm remote? A: Join the video call. Turn your camera on. We can see you're still in bed. We don't care, but at least sit up.

Q: Can I skip standup if I have nothing to report? A: "I have nothing to report" is a report. Come to standup.

Q: What if the standup runs over? A: It won't. The PM has a timer. The timer makes a sound. The sound is unpleasant. This is by design.