The Daily Scrum Gap: How Entry-Level Employees Can Gain More Visibility

Reviewed by: Madhur Kathuria (CST, CEC, CTC, CSP-D, CSP-SM, CSP-PO, A-CSD, A-CSM, A-CSPO, CAL 1, CSD, CSM, CSPO)

According to the recent report, "The Agile advantage: Transforming collaboration for modern teams," 74% of respondents said regular team meetings or stand-ups were the top way they track progress. Among agile practitioners, this number rises to 81%, highlighting how these quick, focused meetings promote collaboration and keep teams aligned.

However, despite their widespread use, it seems daily meetings don't ensure high visibility for all team members: The report found that only 53% of entry-level employees reported experiencing high visibility into project progress, indicating a gap in how effectively information is shared across teams. 

Not only that, but 41% of all respondents indicated that reaching consensus on work to be done takes between one to three hours, while 22% reported it could take up to half a day. This suggests that while teams are meeting regularly, these discussions are not effectively driving decisive action or clear next steps.

Synchronizing the team's shared work is a key function of daily meetings (i.e. daily scrums or daily stand-ups), and teams can benefit from better ways to facilitate decision-making and alignment within these meetings. Achieving this requires the right facilitation skills and tools.

If daily scrums are by and large helping mid-level and senior employees track progress, how can the event be adjusted to ensure all experience levels are getting the benefit?

5 daily scrum tips for entry-level employees

If you're just starting out in an agile team, below we look at five ways to make daily scrums more useful, engaging, and inclusive. And if you're the more seasoned teammate of entry-level employees, show your co-workers how they can get maximum visibility out of daily syncs with these five techniques.

1. Take turns leading the daily scrum

Don't wait for senior team members to always lead the scrum. Volunteer to facilitate! It's a great way to build confidence, learn how your team works, and show initiative. Plus, it keeps the meeting fresh and engaging. You'll begin to see how the daily scrum keeps your team aligned to goals and aware of progress as you guide the discussion. 

2. Use visuals to stay on track

If you're feeling lost in stand-ups, check out the scrum board—or kanban board, or other visual work management tool your team is using—before the meeting. Seeing progress visually makes it easier to understand what's happening and where your work fits into the bigger picture.

That said, don't fall into the trap of spending too much time tweaking the board. The real value of daily synchronization meetings is in the conversation, not in perfecting task statuses.

3. Speak up about challenges

It's easy to stay quiet in a meeting when you're new, but if something is blocking your progress, say so! Stand-ups are your chance to get help and move forward faster. Even if you're unsure whether something is an issue, asking about it can bring valuable insights from teammates.

4. Make stand-ups fun and engaging

Scrums don't have to be robotic status reports. Try mixing it up! Suggest a quick "win of the day" where everyone shares something positive before diving into blockers. Or, ask a teammate how you can support them that day. Keeping the energy up makes stand-ups feel more like a team huddle than a routine meeting.

5. Follow up after the stand-up

If something important comes up during the scrum—like a blocker you need help with or feedback on your work—don't wait until the next stand-up. Follow up right after with the right teammate so you keep moving forward. Being proactive will help you gain visibility and show your commitment to the team.

By keeping these tips in mind, entry-level employees can get the most out of daily scrums, feel more connected to their teams, and contribute more effectively to agile projects.

Unlock more agile insights

Want to learn more about how agile practices like the daily scrum can transform teamwork and collaboration in modern workplaces? Download "The Agile Advantage: Transforming Collaboration for Modern Teams" to explore key insights, data-driven strategies, and expert recommendations for improving visibility, alignment, and efficiency across your team. Get the full report today and start optimizing the way your team works!