Why we do 1:1s

We all have experienced the dread of having 1:1 meetings with your manager. If like me you found them pointless and not adding much value to your day, then you have been doing them wrong.

Who has had a 1:1 where your manager does the following:

• Rambles on some updates; that are irrelevant

• Spend most of the time chatting about the weekend, less on work

• No outcomes

• Meant to last 30 minutes but often are done in 5 mins

• Often feels like a repeat of what you covered in the team meeting

Chances are your manager (or even you if you run them like this) haven’t really understood the importance of 1:1s. So why exactly do we do 1:1’s?

1. Deepen relationship with your direct report

2. Give and receive feedback

3. Coach and develop opportunities

4. Spot issues / challenges early

5. Increase engagement

These are very helpful when done well to understand situations across your team. You can get additional insights and data points in a lot of detail.

How to run a great 1:1

Here is a simple structure to help you have a great 1:1.

To note this structure is focused on existing 1:1’s vs the first time you meet as a new manager. There would be some changes and tweak to this initial meeting.

This is your direct reports meeting; not yours. This is important to know as they should be driving the meeting and agenda etc.

1. Preparation: Ahead of the meeting make sure that you prepare. This is through getting agenda points added, any feedback or items you wish to discuss or share ready

2. Check-in: Start the meeting with checking in with the employee, how things are going etc. A good thing to do here is celebrate the wins or any recognition.

3. Agenda Items: Employee led. This part of the 1:1 is running through the agenda items.

4. Feedback & Coaching: Use this time to provide feedback and work through elements of coaching. When giving the feedback ensure this is a two way conversation.

5. Get feedback: It’s always useful to get feedback. Use this time to get feedback on your management style, team dynamics and decisions made.

6. Action & Follow Ups: Closing the meeting is all about agreeing on any actions. Always worth ensuring any tasks have a clear deadline. As the manager make sure you write up and send anything else through

Resources & Templates

Here are some articles that you can use to help you on your journey for doing great 1:1’s

1. Make the most of your 1:1

2. How to make your 1:1 time well spent

3. How to run an effective 1:1

4. Effective 1:1

5. 4 ways to make your 1:1 more meaningful

PS Thanks for reading this weeks edition on 1:1, hope you can leverage and use these in your next meetings.

PPS: If you enjoyed this content and you would like more come and check out my site here

Coming soon a mini email course guiding you through your first 90 days as manager.