Introduction: What You’ll Learn
Not every standup is lively. Sometimes the team’s tired, quiet, or just mentally elsewhere. As a facilitator, it’s your job to keep things moving while creating space for connection and clarity.
You’ll practice:
- Re-engaging a quiet or tired team
- Reading tone and adjusting energy
- Encouraging clarity without forcing it
- Closing with positivity and momentum
Step-by-Step Simulation
Scene 1: Opening the Standup
Facilitator: "Morning, all. Let’s keep this short and useful. Just share what you worked on yesterday, what’s on your plate today, and if there’s anything blocking you. I’ll go first."
Facilitator (as a developer): "Yesterday I wrapped up some cleanup work on the login module. Today I’m starting to refactor the session timeout logic. No blockers."
Facilitator: "Thanks. Sara, want to go next?"
Scene 2: Teammate Updates
Sara: (quiet, low energy) "Yeah… just still on the same thing. Trying to finish the export feature. No blockers."
Facilitator: "Cool — almost there then. Let us know if anything comes up. Alex?"
Alex: (yawning) "Just bug fixes. Reviewed Leo’s PR. Might poke at the onboarding thing again later. No blockers."
Facilitator: "Got it — thanks for jumping on those reviews. Priya?"
Priya: (short, distracted) "Yesterday was kind of fragmented. Today I’ll try to wrap up mobile layout tweaks. No blockers."
Facilitator: "Appreciate it. Anything you need to move that forward?"
Priya: "Nope. All good."
Facilitator: "Thanks. Leo, your turn."
Leo: (muttering) "Still working on the report endpoints. Nothing new, really."
Facilitator: "Okay — thanks."
Scene 3: Wrapping Up and Recap
Facilitator: "Alright — sounds like a quiet day, no blockers reported. Totally okay if it’s a low-energy morning — we all have those. If anything comes up, feel free to ping in Slack or grab time to pair. Anyone need help today or want to pair up on anything? Appreciate everyone showing up and pushing through. Let’s check in tomorrow and see how things are moving."
Mini Roleplay Challenges
Challenge 1: Sara gives a vague update.
- Best Response: “Anything specific you’re stuck on, or is it just wrapping up the last bit?”
Challenge 2: Alex seems disengaged.
- Best Response: “Thanks for the update. Anything you’re looking for help with later today?”
Challenge 3: No one reacts to anything.
- Best Response: “Alright — quiet day! If anyone’s stuck, drop it in Slack anytime.”
Optional Curveball Mode
Try these twists:
- One person forgets what they did yesterday.
- Everyone gives one-word updates.
- A teammate is clearly multitasking on another screen.
How do you balance empathy with energy?
Reflection Checklist
Standup Flow
- Did I keep the meeting focused but warm?
- Did I prompt gently without pushing?
- Did I wrap up with clear next steps?
Team Engagement
- Did I notice tone shifts or disengagement?
- Did I make it safe to speak, even if energy was low?
Leadership & Tone
- Was I encouraging without being fake?
- Did I reinforce connection or accountability?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing excitement or jokes that fall flat
- Letting disengagement slide without acknowledgment
- Assuming silence means everything’s fine
- Ending abruptly without any energy or direction