How to make one-on-one meetings more effective

A one-on-one meeting with a direct report can often feel more stressful and disorganised than it needs to be. A few simple steps can make such meetings more productive and collaborative:

1. Pay attention. Turn off your phone and email, and focus on the person in front of you. Not doing this will make your employee feel disrespected.
    
2. Form an authentic connection. Show your employee that you care about her well-being. Ask about family or weekend plans, or share an anecdote from your own weekend.
    
3. Create positivity. Compliment the employee on something he did well, and explain why you value that contribution. Focus on his strengths.
    
4. Ask for objectives. What does the employee want to get out of the meeting? Asking her to articulate it will lead to a more productive conversation.
    
5. Keep it light. Don’t be afraid to smile or laugh. Most of us take work far too seriously.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Turn Coaching into Collaboration by Margaret Moore. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.