In another question, I asked about why developers might don't like daily scrum. We talked to developers and we decided to not hold daily scrum for a while (to give it a try and customized scrum in our first attempt). This is the output of consulting with developers directly. On the other hand, we don't want to lose good parts of daily scrum, like getting a chance to coordinate developers everyday, or watching the work progress like a Key Performance Indicator, to take actions early.As an alternative to daily scrum, we're thinking about asking developers to provide daily reports with the following conditions:No need to follow any specific format. Each and every format is accepted.Even if the work is not done, we want to hear the amount of progress.There is no need to mention the time spent on each task.Development obstacles and coordination requirements should be mentioned.There is no need to be obsessed with daily reports. It's not taken that strict.Do you think that this can decrease their productivity? Have you had any daily report experience? Do you have any suggestion for us, so that we can get sure that we're not micromanaging?
Can daily reports decrease a developer's productivity?
productivity;management;scrum;meetings;reporting
As an alternative to daily scrum, we're thinking about asking developers to provide daily reports with the following conditions:What a terrible idea. Do you think that this can decrease their productivity?Yes.Why?  A verbal presentation at a meeting combines writing and n people reading the report into one concurrent activity. Talking plus Listening.  Over and done with.  Questions answered right away.Writing a report is a waste of time because there will be questions and you'll have to review the report with folks who (a) have questions and (b) didn't really read it.Daily reports, won't get read.  They rapidly devolve to in-box-noise.There is no need to be obsessed with daily reports.  In which case, why do them?Do you have any suggestion for us, so that we can get sure that we're not micromanaging?Yes.  Have a daily stand-up.  It takes a few minutes and you're done.If your daily stand-up takes more than a few (15?) minutes, you're sharing way too much detail and need to schedule separate meetings for those details.  Daily stand-ups are easy to do.  After a 2-minute summary, everything else is probably details, not for the whole team, and needs to be pushed into a follow-up meeting.  The meeting moves on to the next person's focus for the day.