If you’ve never practiced one-on-ones as a leader, it’s probably one of the most effective strategies for TRUST-BUILDING and for proactively finding and addressing issues.
For those who have never practiced this, here’s how to get started:
- Schedule a mutually convenient time.
- Set the stage—tell your team member your intentions for starting 1:1s with them…that it’s a way for you to better support them, help them grow, and to help them accomplish their goals/objectives personally and professionally.
- (if you’ve just started working with the person) Share some info about yourself. Some of your history, perhaps some of the strengths AND weaknesses. Some key learnings you’ve had as of late, some non-work related interests or hobbies. Whatever you feel is relevant.
- Ask your employee to share some of their interests, some of their story, their personal and professional goals. Get to know them as more than just an employee.
Once you’ve established on ongoing meeting cadence (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly), here’s a sample framework for a 1:1 meeting (add your own style and ideas to it!):
- Ask them questions such as, “How are YOU doing?” “How did the past week/month go?”
- Then, “What would you like to talk about today?” or “What’s top of mind for you?”
- Next, “What is a ‘win’ from this last week/month?” or “What’s an area where you’ve made progress?” or “What did you do better or differently that helped you make that progress?”
- “Are there any challenges you’d like to discuss or work through?” Be sure to get clarity on their frustrations and struggles. Listen well and coach them to help them discover solutions. Support them. Don’t be too quick to rush in to “fix” it.
- Be sure to mine for the successes, the wins, growth areas you can acknowledge. Many people are their own worst enemy and don’t often see their progress or strength areas. This is a great way to demonstrate they are valued and appreciated!
- Wrap up with questions like: “What additional help or support do you need or would you like to have?” or “What are your takeaways from today’s meeting?”
The most important thing about 1:1s is that your team members experience you as caring about them and being available to support them in being successful in their roles.
1:1s are only the beginning though. They only scratch the surface of building a strong team.
If you’re ready to go deeper, let’s talk! We would love to explore what a customized leadership development program might look like for your team!