1:1s — Let your team take you to the hoop 🏀

In a world with an ever-growing feeling of ME, ME, ME; 1:1 meetings should be all about them.

I’ve been working for quite a while now, and I’ve had my fair share of 1:1 meetings. Most of them follow the pattern of Manager does most of the talking. Don’t get me wrong, helpful company/team/policy updates are extremely valuable. Employee listens and with the last minute of the meeting is asked, if they have anything to say about what was shared or anything else they’d like to speak about.

1:1s should be led by the employee. It’s their opportunity (and sometimes only one) to share their thoughts, ask questions, or chat about something they’re doing outside of the office. These meetings are meant to foster a deeper connection to the team and company. There must be an open forum for the employee to speak their mind about anything they want.

A 10-minute conversation about the employee’s marathon training or new baby is valuable. Doing so will build their confidence that you care about them, and not just the work they produce.

Finally and most importantly, 1:1s should focus on your employee’s career map and their milestones check list (read Career Trajectory to learn more). Be sure you’re working together to help your employee grow and reach their milestones.

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