Short
Good huddles last no more than 15 minutes and don’t over-run. Their brevity keeps them focused and to the point, helping to ensure that that conversations are adding value.
Well Chaired
Huddles are always led by a chair and the effectiveness, preparedness and confidence of the chair makes a huge difference to the success of the huddle.
We would recommend that the role of chair rotates between all team members on a weekly basis.
Fixed (time and location)
Good huddles feel routine. They just become part of daily life. They take place every day, they occur at the same time every day, they’re in the same place every day (physically or virtually) and and they’re attended by roughly the same people every day.
Mandatory and Inclusive
Good huddles are attended by all team members, and also welcome any reasonable visitors who wish to attend. They’re inclusive and welcoming meetings that people feel comfortable in, and all attendees get a chance to contribute to them and feel valued through them.
Focused
Good huddles are focused and fact based. They are lean and to the point. The pace is fast and unhelpful or side-conversations are challenged. Every minute of the meeting should be adding value to the team. If conversations are not adding value, they should be challenged.
Engaging
Good huddles engage everyone who attends. The discussions that take place should be interesting and relevant to the attendees. The chair should engage with everyone and each attendee should speak at least once in each meeting.
The best huddles include an opportunity for each attendee to be asked how they feel that day. The very best ones are also fun!
