I recently met with Brett Jackson, VP of a fast-growing, Software Development company called Allassian. They have been using a concept called The ‘Stand Up’ Meeting throughout their company and in particular the engineers. I found this a fascinating concept because meetings for too long have been the bane of everyone’s existence and have slowed down progress (or so it seems).

The features of the Stand Up meeting include:

- Typically it is held in the morning around 10.00am. The meeting starts on time there is no waiting for stragglers.

- The aim is usually to obtain an update on a project.

- People are asked at random (by throwing them a football) to comment on what they did yesterday, what they were planning to do today and what might hinder them from achieving this (in this way these barriers are articulated and perhaps someone can help). The ball keeps everyone focused, listening and alert because you never know when it may be your turn.

- The stand up approach ensures that people do not get too comfortable and the business spends less time in unproductive meetings and more time creating value for customers etc.

- Any substantial discussions are then taken off-line (outside the meeting)

- Anyone can attend or observe a meeting (usually the project meeting is 10-12 people).

- Music is played at the start of the session to signify that the meeting is about to commence (different people can choose which music to play).

- Only one person talks at a time (the person with the ball). Usually they have a minute or so to talk.

- There is no leader dominating the meeting.

The benefits of the ‘Stand Up’ Meeting are many. People see the value in meetings because they can find out what is going on and perhaps someone can help them if they need help. Also as the meeting is quick, tight and focused they do not mind going as it frees them up to get on with their work.

It does require (paradoxically) more discipline and preparation by all concerned. Faster meetings can be better ones only if people are ready to go.

Does anyone else have a stand up meeting?

Cheers ken