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You have completed How to Have 1:1's!
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Now that we have covered the structure and basics of a one on one, let's expand on some tips to ensure that the meeting is successful!
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Now that we've covered the structure and
basics of a one-on-one,
0:00
I want to expand on some of the tips
we've already shared today
0:03
and discuss what to avoid to ensure that
you're able to have the best one-on-one
0:07
possible.
0:11
First and foremost, we want to avoid
having no structure in the meetings.
0:13
Some folks want to have organic
conversations in their meetings and
0:18
think an agenda might take away from this.
0:21
I understand that you want to have
time to be able to just talk freely.
0:23
That can still happen!
You can account for that in the agenda,
0:27
so time is allotted for conversation.
0:31
There's a reason we spent the majority
of today discussing agenda topics.
0:34
It's because they work.
0:39
When building out an agenda, and
selecting the tool you're using,
0:40
make sure both of you
are a part of the process
0:44
since both parties rely on it
to have effective meetings.
0:46
When selecting topics and structure,
you both should be considering what
0:50
the most valuable way to
spend your time together is.
0:54
Make sure to revisit
your agenda occasionally,
0:57
to ensure that it is still working for
the both of you.
0:59
You'll also want to avoid any outside
distractions during your one-on-one.
1:04
Whether you're in the office or
working remotely,
1:08
both the manager and
direct reports should mute their chats,
1:11
close any open tabs, and
only have the agenda open.
1:15
I know how busy we all get, and how
distracting it can be to have messages or
1:19
emails coming through,
that need your attention.
1:22
But if you're not giving the one-on-one
the time it deserves, it will affect
1:26
your personal growth, your relationship
with one another, and work quality.
1:31
There are going to be times
when you have busy weeks.
1:35
You'll be balancing projects,
meetings, and deadlines,
1:38
which will cause your
calendar to be packed.
1:42
You might think, "okay,
I need to regroup and let something go", so
1:45
you decide to cancel your one-on-one.
1:48
This is a typical reaction to a busy week,
where managers or
1:51
direct reports think this will
give them time back and help.
1:54
However, they just cancelled the most
important part of their week without
1:57
realizing it.
2:01
These meetings are a chance for a manager
and direct report to get to know one
2:02
another, build trust, talk through
challenges, and exchange feedback.
2:07
So if the regularly scheduled
meeting time, doesn't work for
2:13
you that week, reschedule it
if you need to. No canceling.
2:16
Culture Lab share that,
2:20
direct reports thrive when they
receive a manager's focused attention.
2:21
It offers the direct report an opportunity
to discuss topics outside of status
2:26
updates and task completions.
2:30
It is so important to have a scheduled
meeting, limited distractions, and agenda.
2:32
And to never ever cancel a one-on-one,
though we can reschedule if needed.
2:37
Before the meeting, you want to schedule
some time, even if it's just 15 minutes,
2:43
to prepare for your one-on-one.
2:47
I'd like to schedule a short period
of time to look at the agenda,
2:50
to make sure I've added in those
rotating topics I'd like to discuss.
2:53
And check on any commitments
that I need to follow up on.
2:56
Or, when you think of something,
add it to the agenda, so you don't forget.
3:00
Sometimes, things pop
up throughout the week,
3:05
that you wanted to discuss
in your one-on-one.
3:07
Figure out a system that works best,
to remember to add it to the agenda.
3:11
By preparing beforehand,
you're able to come to the meeting,
3:16
knowing what you both want to discuss.
3:20
What needs feedback,
what challenges you might have, and so on.
3:22
After the meeting or throughout the
meeting, you want to make sure that there
3:27
is a space, or
a way to document what was discussed.
3:31
Even if you resolve or
won't return to a topic,
3:34
you wanted to make sure you recorded
somewhere what was discussed.
3:36
You can save each meeting agenda,
write a summary when the meeting ends, or
3:41
move finished items to
a completed section.
3:45
Either way, figure out a space that
you can come back to if needed.
3:48
My next two tips are solely
from the manager.
3:53
You want to refrain from talking
about yourself in the one-on-one.
3:57
There will be times where you might
share an example about yourself, or
4:01
a story to connect with the direct report
4:04
but be mindful when doing so.
Remember, this is their meeting.
4:07
Also, not all the manager's
one-on-ones need to look the same.
4:12
If one direct report thrives
with the 30-minute meeting and
4:16
someone else requires 60 minutes,
that's more than okay.
4:19
Like I just said, it's their
meeting time with you, so your job
4:24
is to ensure it is designed for what they
need to feel supported and to succeed.
4:27
Lastly, I think it's nice to start off
the meeting with some sort of ice breaker.
4:34
It allows both of you to warm up and
4:38
get to know each other outside
of your work responsibilities.
4:40
You can even take turns each week
choosing the ice breaker question.
4:43
Some examples of ice breaker questions
are: if you could meet anyone dead or
4:48
alive, who would it be?
4:52
If you could live anywhere in the world
for one year, where would you choose?
4:55
What's the best piece of
advice you've ever been given?
4:59
If you were on a reality TV show,
which would it be?
5:03
What is your favorite quote or saying?
5:08
If you had to use only one condiment,
which would it be and why?
5:11
One-on-one meetings take practice and
perfecting.
5:17
All my one-on-ones have been different
depending on my relationship with my
5:20
manager and where I am in my career.
5:25
That's what makes them exciting,
and sometimes a bit overwhelming.
5:27
However, being able to have a strong
manager and direct report relationship
5:31
as well as personal growth
5:35
and increased belonging is why they
are so worth the investment of time.
5:37
Hopefully today you're able to walk away
with some new ideas for improving upon or
5:42
creating your one-on-ones.
5:47
Use this workshop as a guide, and
work with your direct report or manager,
5:48
to explore what options work best for
you.
5:53
As always, check out the teacher's
notes for additional resources.
5:55
I hope you use this information
to have more effective and
6:00
meaningful one-on-ones that
empower your development.
6:03
Happy learning!
6:06
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