7 Ways to Prepare for One-On-Ones Like a Pro
Beginnings shape endings.
Lack of preparation allows toxic habits to contaminate one-on-ones. You often miss when shooting from the hip.
7 ways to prepare for one-on-ones like a pro:
#1. Choose your reason.
Why meet with employees? You’re busy. They’re busy. One-on-ones that don’t bring value are a waste of time.
#2. Get right with yourself.
Your baggage contaminates people when you bring it into one-on-one conversations. Set frustration with higher ups aside. Are you disappointed with yourself? Forget it. Turn your attention to the team member on the other side of the table.
#3. Calm your spirit.
Stress makes you interested in one thing and disinterested in everything else. A hurried spirit makes others feel like an inconvenience.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply for at least one minute. Write intrusive thoughts on a piece of paper and hide it. Your brain feels a little better when it knows you won’t forget pressing issues.
#4. Choose how to show up.
When you take a minute to breathe (See #3 above.) reflect on how you want to show up. I often choose curiosity. Other times I choose respectful, encouraging, and sometimes I show up to challenge.
#5. Review your notes.
Keep notes of all your one-on-ones. Do it during or after but do it. Record important topics and action items. Let people know your notes are descriptive, not prescriptive.
Say, “I reviewed my notes before you arrived.” Let employees know their conversation is important to you.
#6. Jot down potential topics.
I often find the thing on my mind is on their mind too. You don’t have to bring up any topics that come to mind. Just jot them down.
#7. Recall three things you respect.
What do you respect about the person you are meeting with? Respect reflects a supportive mindset.
Which of the above items do you need to implement?
What items can you add to the above list?
Still curious:
4 Ways to Have Lousy One-On-Ones
Quick Strategies to Energize One-On-Ones
5 Energizing Conversation Starters for One-on-Ones
13 Ways to Get the Most Out of One-on-One meetings
I like #5 and #6. Review your notes from the last meeting and get prepared for the upcoming meeting.
Most one-on-one meetings focus on two things–the tasks and the person.
Tasks
–Is the work moving forward and on plan?
–If not, what are the obstacles? What resources are needed?
–What’s the recovery plan?
–What can I (manager) do to help?
The Person
–What new insights has the person gained?
–What is their biggest frustration?
–What’s working really well?
–What would they like to discuss?
Thanks for a neat division between tasks and personal items. Too often one-on-ones devolve inot lets check the numbers and what do you need to do next with little personal development or reflection on work.