In the context of team daily standups, the terms synchronous (SYNC) and asynchronous (ASYNC) refer to how the meeting is conducted, specifically around communication and collaboration:
Synchronous (SYNC) Standups
Real-Time Meetings: In SYNC standups, the team meets at the same time, typically via video call or in person, to discuss their daily updates. Everyone participates simultaneously.
Immediate Interaction: SYNC meetings allow for real-time interaction, with the team being able to ask questions, clarify issues, and offer immediate feedback or solutions. This direct interaction can foster better team communication and quick decision-making.
Set Time & Schedule: These meetings usually occur at a set time each day, often in the morning, and are typically time-boxed to 15 minutes to avoid lengthy discussions.
Best for Co-Located Teams or Small Time Zone Differences: SYNC standups work well for teams in the same or similar time zones or for those who can regularly meet at a common time.
Pros:
Immediate feedback and quick issue resolution
Strengthens team cohesion through real-time engagement
Provides clarity on tasks and roadblocks immediately
Cons:
Scheduling conflicts in distributed teams, especially across time zones
Can be disruptive if team members are focused on deep work during the scheduled time
Asynchronous (ASYNC) Standups
Non-Real-Time Updates: In ASYNC standups, team members provide their daily updates at different times, usually through a tool (such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or a project management platform) rather than meeting live.
Flexibility: ASYNC standups give flexibility to distributed teams, especially when time zone differences make it difficult to have everyone online at the same time.
Written or Recorded Format: Team members typically share their updates in written form or by recording short videos answering the standard standup questions: What did I do yesterday? What will I do today? Are there any blockers?
Best for Distributed Teams or Large Time Zone Differences: ASYNC standups are ideal for teams that work in different time zones or have varying schedules, allowing each person to contribute without being forced into a fixed meeting time.
Pros:
Allows flexibility for team members in different time zones
Reduces interruptions, enabling team members to provide updates when it best fits their schedule
Provides written records of updates that can be referred back to later
Cons:
Delays in addressing blockers or questions, as responses are not immediate
Can reduce team cohesion and the sense of connection since there's no face-to-face (virtual) interaction
Requires discipline from the team to provide timely updates and read others' updates
Choosing SYNC vs ASYNC for Standups:
SYNC works best for teams that are co-located or have minimal time zone differences, where real-time interaction can help build team collaboration and address issues quickly.
ASYNC is better suited for distributed teams across multiple time zones, where flexibility is crucial, and teams can handle slight delays in feedback or problem-solving.
Some teams even combine both approaches by having hybrid standups—a SYNC standup with key team members in overlapping time zones and ASYNC updates from members in more distant locations. This way, they maintain flexibility while ensuring regular interaction.
StandupAlice can be used with Synchronous or Asynchronous team daily standup meetings.
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