Nothing from my side

It’s a familiar scene for anyone working remotely: the daily standup rolls around, and half the team mutes their mic, barely saying a word.

Sometimes, it feels like these meetings are just a formality like something to get through before the “real” work begins. But I’ve come to realise that what we say (or don’t say) in these moments actually matters a lot. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve gathered some practical lessons along the way, especially for those who are new to tech or still finding their footing in team meetings. For anyone navigating a career transition, I hope these reflections help make the journey a bit easier.

Why Standups Felt So Intimidating at First

When I first joined my team, standups felt like a test. I worried about sounding competent, keeping my updates brief, and making sure I didn’t miss anything important. I’d jot down every task I completed, hoping it would show I was pulling my weight. But after a few months (and some kind, honest feedback), I realised I was missing the point. Standups aren’t about performing or proving yourself, they’re about connecting, sharing, and moving work forward as a team. Here are some thoughts on how to be better at presenting updates during standups.

Shift From Task Lists to Thought Process

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• It’s not about being perfect. No one expects you to have all the answers. What matters is being open about where you are and what you need to move ahead.
• Share your thinking, not just your doing. Instead of rattling off tasks, I’ve started to talk about what I’m working through, what’s tricky, and where I could use a second opinion.

For example, I used to say:

“I fixed the notification bug and started refactoring the auth module.”

Now, I try something like:

“I’m refactoring the auth module to improve token handling. I’m not sure if my current approach will scale, so if anyone has tips, I’d appreciate it!”

This small change has made a huge difference. Not only do I get better feedback, but I also feel more connected to the team and less alone when I hit a roadblock.

Practical Tips I’ve Picked Up

If you’re new to standups (or just want to get more out of them), here’s what’s helped me:

• Be honest about what you don’t know. Vulnerability invites support.
• Ask for feedback. People are often happy to help, but they need to know where you’re stuck.
• Connect your work to the bigger picture. Even if you’re not sure how your piece fits, having discussions about it can spark valuable conversations.
• Don’t worry about sounding “busy.” It’s better to be clear and open about your progress than to trying to impress.

Why This Matters, Especially for Career Changers

Visibility is important, but it’s not about self-promotion. It’s about ensuring your team and collaborators understand what you’re working on, where you might need support, and how your efforts contribute to shared goals. For those transitioning from different backgrounds, developing this kind of open communication early on can make a significant difference in building trust.

Final Thoughts

Standup meetings aren’t about being perfect or impressing others but are about connection, clarity, and progress. Whether you’re new to tech or simply looking to get more value from your daily check-ins, focusing on transparency and collaboration can transform these quick meetings into a real asset for your growth and your team’s success.
If you’re navigating a new role or industry, remember: you don’t have to have all the answers. Use standups as a chance to connect, ask questions, and share your thought process. Over time, these small shifts can have a big impact.