Know what you want to discuss ahead of time, and have any relevant materials handy.
Second, make sure you’re listening to your employees. One-on-ones are a chance to gain insight into their thoughts and concerns, so be sure to give them your full attention. Finally, follow up after each meeting.
This shows that you’re invested in their development and committed to helping them reach their goals. Adopting these habits will help ensure that your one-on-one meetings are productive and impactful.
Let’s dive deeper into this topic and answer a few common questions.
What do you wish all leaders knew about one-on-one meetings?
Leaders should know that one-on-one meetings are an excellent opportunity to get to know their employees more personally.
During these meetings, leaders can ask employees about their families, hobbies, and interests outside work. This helps to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere in which employees feel comfortable sharing feedback and ideas with their leader.
Additionally, leaders should listen actively during one-on-one meetings and take notes when necessary. This will help them remember the ideas and feedback that were shared during the meeting.
What are some common one-on-one meeting mistakes?
People make a few common one-on-one meeting mistakes:
- Not preparing for the meeting
- Not staying on topic
- Not following up after the meeting
If you don’t know what you want to accomplish from the meeting or what you need from the other person, it will be challenging to steer the conversation in a productive direction.
Furthermore, if you’re not clear on what your objectives are, likely, the other person won’t be either. It would be best if you took some time before the meeting to consider what you hope to achieve and what questions you need to be answered.
What are the dos and don’ts of having one-on-one meetings?
There are a few basic things to remember when you’re having one-on-one meetings with someone. First, make sure that the reason for the meeting is apparent. Whether you’re meeting to discuss a project or to catch up on someone’s work, it’s essential to have a purpose for the meeting.
Second, keep the meeting focused and on topic. Meandering off into tangents will only waste everyone’s time. Finally, be respectful of everyone’s time by keeping the meeting as brief as possible.
Here are four don’ts of having one-on-one meetings:
- Don’t use one-on-one meetings to avoid doing actual work.
- Don’t use them as an opportunity to pontificate or lecture.
- Don’t use them to avoid difficult conversations or conflicts.
- And don’t use this time as a dumping ground for information that could just as easily be communicated in another way, like an email or presentation.
What are a few habits that lead to outstanding one-on-one meetings, and why is each habit effective?
1. Prepare thoroughly. This means reading and understanding the background material, developing clear objectives for the meeting, and rehearsing your talking points.
2. Arrive on time or slightly early so you can review any materials or notes before the meeting starts.
3. Make sure your cell phone is turned off or silent during the meeting.
4. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and avoid multitasking (e.g., checking email or text messages).
5. If you need to take a call or answer a text message, excuse yourself politely and deal with it quickly so you can focus on the conversation again.
I hope you find these tips helpful as you set out to have more one-on-one meetings. Remember, it’s essential to be prepared and do your homework before the meeting, come with a clear plan, and focus on the other person. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your next one-on-one meeting is successful.
