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Status Meetings Are for Hearing Status, Not Just Reporting It

Writer's picture: Brian WhitmarshBrian Whitmarsh

What Did I Do Since Yesterday

Everybody loves status meetings, don’t they? Daily Stand-Ups (Scrums), Scrum of Scrums, Program Reviews, Weekly Status, 1-on-1s, etc. etc. etc. That sounds a bit facetious, but as a director over many people and initiatives, I actually do enjoy getting to hear how things are coming together, and where I may be able to help. This can be a good chance to quickly align everyone, catch risks or issues related to interdependencies, and celebrate important task completions. But I also frequently notice a big problem in how people approach these meetings, especially when there are larger audiences. Many people are just there to give their update instead of really listening to everyone else’s update.


What Blockers Have I Encountered

I know everyone wants to present themselves (and their teams) well, but if you are focusing so much on it that you are not paying attention to other updates, you are missing the most important part of the status. Are other teams reporting actions that may affect what you are doing? Are they reporting on work that is contradictory to your goals? Does their status indicate a need where you can help out? 

There is value in preparing a status. It forces you to review the facts and think about where you really are, and if you need to make adjustments. But the report-out is for the benefit of the listeners. And that is only beneficial if they are actually listening.


What Will I Do Today

If you are attending a status meeting, please tune in and give it your attention. Don’t be working your email inbox or engaging in chats. Don’t be mentally prepping your part of the meeting. Don’t be daydreaming about protecting Castle Grayskull from Skeletor (that’s what you daydream about, too, right?). 

Be present. Note updates that impact you. Ask questions or provide advice; outside perspective helps us see things we miss. When you (and everyone) are engaged, the meeting may actually finish early.


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