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I don't understand why you cannot ask your newbie members casually each day, what they are doing and if they have any problems? That way you can actually dig de

by js8 10y ago

I don't understand why you cannot ask your newbie members casually each day, what they are doing and if they have any problems? That way you can actually dig deeper than you can in standup - because standup is not to resolve technical issues. And if they seem to be competent, you can ask them less and less. Why do you need one-size-fits-all approach? I recommend this presentation: https://www.infoq.com/presentations/Developing-Expertise-Dave-Thomas https://www.infoq.com/presentations/Developing-Expertise-Dav...

davidcbc 10y ago
Because it is helpful for the new members to hear about what everyone else is working on as well. I started on a new team a couple months ago and if it wasn't for the daily stand-up I would have no idea what was going on outside of the limited scope I've had a chance to work on.
dsmithatx 9y ago
There are 10 of them and some work remote often. It's easier to get everyone in one place than to try and track down 10 people. I'm very busy getting work done myself as I'm not the actual boss of anyone, just a lead.
mikepurvis 10y ago
Aren't you basically advocating for the dreaded shoulder-tap? As bad as a standup might be, I'd still rather attend something at a scheduled time than have someone randomly hovering at my desk for "quick sync up".
- js8 10y ago
  Yes. If they are beginners they shouldn't mind that. You can schedule a regular 1:1 meeting with them, why not, I just think that shoulder tap (or maybe a wink in the hallway) is easier. I should add: Maybe they will even appreciate it. Maybe they are not sure if they should talk to you because they worry they will rob you of your time. My point was that what to do really depends on person.
  - H1Supreme 10y ago
    This is a good point. If your new, some 1 on 1 guidance is definitely appreciated.
ThrustVectoring 10y ago
Engineers in general probably know what they're about to do when they're about to begin things. Why not just have them habitually send updates on completed work and intended direction as things change, and intervene/help immediately when appropriate?

by js8 10y ago

davidcbc 10y ago

Because it is helpful for the new members to hear about what everyone else is working on as well. I started on a new team a couple months ago and if it wasn't for the daily stand-up I would have no idea what was going on outside of the limited scope I've had a chance to work on.

dsmithatx 9y ago

There are 10 of them and some work remote often. It's easier to get everyone in one place than to try and track down 10 people. I'm very busy getting work done myself as I'm not the actual boss of anyone, just a lead.

mikepurvis 10y ago

Aren't you basically advocating for the dreaded shoulder-tap? As bad as a standup might be, I'd still rather attend something at a scheduled time than have someone randomly hovering at my desk for "quick sync up".

js8 10y ago
Yes. If they are beginners they shouldn't mind that. You can schedule a regular 1:1 meeting with them, why not, I just think that shoulder tap (or maybe a wink in the hallway) is easier. I should add: Maybe they will even appreciate it. Maybe they are not sure if they should talk to you because they worry they will rob you of your time. My point was that what to do really depends on person.
- H1Supreme 10y ago
  This is a good point. If your new, some 1 on 1 guidance is definitely appreciated.

ThrustVectoring 10y ago

Engineers in general probably know what they're about to do when they're about to begin things. Why not just have them habitually send updates on completed work and intended direction as things change, and intervene/help immediately when appropriate?