4️⃣ Tips For Running Engaging And Effective 1:1s!
Read time: 3 minutes
With an estimated 200-500 million 1:1 meetings happening worlwide every day, it's clear that 1:1s are a crucial tool for effective leadership.
Yet, managers often overlook or underutilize them, viewing them as a routine (and sometimes optional) check-ins.
So, let me debunk this myth right now: 1:1s are not a managerial check-in!
They're a golden opportunity for building a trusting relationship, for your team members to shine, and for you to showcase your leadership skills! 💪
So, let’s dive into some tips to make your 1:1s truly impactful and transform them into game-changing moments, for your team member AND yourself:
1. Talking Ratio - The Magic Number 🗣️
Remember those 1:1s where your manager just takes the spotlight and talks all the time? A waste of time. A dull and unproductive meeting.
In a successfull 1:1, the talking is done by your team member - and you actively listen to their thoughts, ideas, concerns.
As a rule of thumb, their talking ratio should be around 50-90%.
To get there, guide the conversation with open-ended questions that encourage them to think, reflect, and articulate their thoughts, such as:
“How do you feel about the resources you have?”
“What’s in the way of hitting your targets?”
“How can I best help you?”
Remember, it's all about illuminating, not interrogating!
2. Scheduling Cadence - The Perfect Rhythm 🎶
Just like a drummer hitting the right beat, finding the perfect frequency of your 1:1s is essential.
Too often, you risk being seen as a micromanager.
But if you're too hands-off, your team might think you don’t care.
Schedule 1:1s on a weekly or biweekly rythm, and always ensure you allocate enough time for these meetings - anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour.
Also, remember that your 1:1s are the moments that solidify your bond with your team members, build trust, and ensure you're on the same page.
So, if you can't make it to your 1:1, be respectful of their time and dedication - use a simple golden rule: reschedule, don't cancel!
3. The Content - The 3Ps 📝
Let's now get to the juicy part—the content of your 1:1s.
Always encourage your team member to bring their own agenda, and tackle their points first.
It shows you make their needs your priority.
As well, keep in mind that 1:1s are all about the 3Ps: Project, Position, and Person.
“Project” conversations are about tasks, projects and metrics.
“Position” talks are around career and professional development, including hard skills, soft skills and personal goals.
“Person” dialogues aim to know and understand the individual behind the title, their motivation, interests, and values.
Start by a simple “How are you doing today?” - share as well your own answer - that will create a personal connection moment.
Over time, you should have a balanced distribution between these 3 areas, and have created a comprehensive conversation that fosters growth, connectivity, trust and productivity. 🌱
4. The Follow-up - Keeping the Conversation Going ♻️
Don't let your 1:1s just be a one-time conversation. Keep the momentum going!
Follow up on action items, offer support and resources, and continue to check in regularly.
It shows that you remember, and that you care about them and their input.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse that a manager who don’t recall previous discussions…
Something as simple as an email or a quick message on Slack a few days later referring back to your discussion can go a long way and reinforce the value of these meetings!
And there you have it! Now that you know the power of 1:1s, make them count and elevate your leadership to a whole new level. 💥
Actions for Today:
How can you improve the talking ratio in your 1:1s starting next week?
Think of the 3Ps of your 1:1s - how can you improve the distribution?
Which follow-up actions can you implement?