Steal My 7-Minute Daily Standup Agenda (Saves 45 Hours/Year)

After running 500+ standups and testing every format, I perfected the 7-minute agenda that teams actually love. Copy this exact template to cut meeting time in half while doubling productivity.

Quick Answer: The 7-Minute Formula

The winning format: 1 minute check-in, 4 minutes rapid updates (90 seconds max per person), 2 minutes blockers and next steps. No status reports, no detailed discussions, just focused forward momentum.

Why Most Standups Fail

Before showing you what works, here is why 80% of daily standups suck:

The 7-Minute Standup Template

Minute 1: Energy Check-In

Start with a quick energy check using numbers 1-10. Everyone shares their energy level for the day. This takes 30 seconds and gives you instant team mood insight.

Script: Good morning team. Energy check - rate yourself 1 to 10. I will go first: 8 today, caffeinated and ready. Quick round.

Minutes 2-5: Rapid Updates (90 seconds each)

Each person gets exactly 90 seconds to cover: 1) Priority focus today, 2) One key win from yesterday, 3) Any blockers. That is it. No details, no stories.

The formula: Today I am focusing on [ONE THING]. Yesterday I completed [SPECIFIC WIN]. My blocker is [SPECIFIC ISSUE] or No blockers.

Example: Today I am focusing on the user dashboard design. Yesterday I completed the wireframes review with stakeholders. No blockers.

Minutes 6-7: Blockers and Coordination

Address any blockers mentioned. Do not solve them in the meeting. Identify who will help and when they will connect offline.

Script: For blockers mentioned, let us get offline connections set up. [Name], can you and [Name] sync on [issue] by [time]? Everyone else, any quick coordination needed for today?

The 90-Second Rule That Changes Everything

The magic is the 90-second hard limit per person. Here is how to enforce it without being rude:

Scripts for Common Situations

When Someone Goes Over Time

Thanks [Name], that sounds important. Can you grab [relevant person] after this meeting to dive deeper? Next person.

When Someone Has No Update

Perfect, continuing where you left off yesterday. Next.

When Discussion Starts

Great question. Let us park that for a 5-minute discussion right after standup with [specific people]. Moving on.

When Someone Shares Irrelevant Information

Interesting. For standup, let us focus on your main priority today and any blockers. What is your one focus?

Week-by-Week Implementation Guide

Week 1: Introduce the Format

Explain the new format and why you are changing. Share this agenda with the team before the first meeting. Focus on getting used to the 90-second rhythm.

Week 2: Enforce Time Limits

Start using the timer and gentle redirects. People will test the boundaries. Stay consistent and friendly but firm.

Week 3: Refine the Process

Ask for feedback and adjust. Some teams need slightly different formats based on their work style.

Week 4: Lock in the Habit

By week 4, the format should feel natural. Teams usually report feeling more focused and energized.

Advanced Techniques for Different Team Sizes

Small Teams (3-4 people)

Can extend to 2 minutes per person. Use this for more detailed planning coordination.

Medium Teams (5-7 people)

Perfect for the 90-second format. Consider rotating who goes first to keep energy fresh.

Large Teams (8+ people)

Reduce to 60 seconds per person or split into smaller sub-team standups. Anything over 10 people needs restructuring.

What to Do After Standup

The magic happens in the 5-10 minutes immediately after standup:

Most people leave, but those who need to collaborate stick around. This prevents the standup from becoming a discussion forum.