The Worst Agile Stand-Up Meeting Ever: When Russia Invaded During Stand-Up
I usually run two stand-up meetings everyday, where team members usually gather to share progress, discuss roadblocks, and plan their next steps. However, on February 24th, 2022, my team's stand-up meeting turned out to be the worst one ever.
It was a typical Thursday afternoon, and our team was in the midst of our daily stand-up meeting. We were a distributed team, with members located in Australia and Ukraine. We were discussing our progress and plans for the day when we received some shocking news: Russia had invaded Ukraine.
As the news sank in, the meeting quickly devolved into pure silence, anger and fear. Our Ukrainian team members were understandably shaken, and it was difficult to focus on work. We spent the next few minutes trying to make sense of the situation, discussing what we could do to help, and checking on the safety of our colleagues and their families.
It was a surreal experience, and it felt like the world had suddenly turned upside down. Our team's priorities shifted from our work to something much more important: the safety and well-being of our colleagues and their families.
In the days and weeks that followed, we struggled to continue our process amidst the uncertainty and turmoil. It was difficult to focus on work when our minds were elsewhere, and it was challenging to coordinate our efforts when our team members were dealing with such a crisis.
Despite the unprecedented situation, the Ukrainian team showed remarkable resilience and determination. Despite missile attacks, loss of electricity, and having to leave their homes and possessions behind, the Ukrainian team managed to keep working on the project.
It wasn't easy, but they found ways to adapt and continue working, even under the most challenging circumstances. They used mobile hotspots to stay connected to the internet, worked from temporary shelters, moved country and shared workloads among team members to keep the project moving forward.
The team's commitment to their work was truly inspiring. Even though their world was turned upside down, they remained focused on their project and continued to make progress, day after day. They showed a remarkable ability to work under pressure, and their dedication to their craft was truly admirable.
In conclusion, the Russian invasion of Ukraine during our stand-up meeting was a stark reminder of the fragility of the world we live in. However, it was also a testament to the resilience and determination of our Ukrainian team members, who showed remarkable commitment to their work, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. We are proud to work with such a dedicated and inspiring team, and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time.
Slava Ukraini