Are you hoping to build a better business in 2021? Would you like to help your team reach their full potential? If these are your goals, you need to make 1:1 meetings with employees a priority this year.
Why You Should Make 1:1 Meetings with Employees a Priority
- Build Relationships
Meeting with your employees 1:1 allows you to learn about them. You’ll discover their interests, their strengths, their struggles and their aspirations. This puts you in a better position to lead them both as individuals and as an overall team. Plus, taking the time to get to know people builds trust. As a result, your employees will be more willing to approach you with problems and ideas. - Save Time
This seems counterintuitive since you may spend a sizable portion of your day in meetings. However, 1:1 meetings have a high return on investment. You’ll be able to uncover and solve issues before they become major, time-consuming problems. In addition, you won’t get interrupted with hundreds of small questions every day, people will just wait until their 1:1. - Increase Engagement
A 2014 Gallup study found 1:1 meetings had a significant impact on employee engagement. Managers who regularly meet with their team members almost tripled engagement as compared to managers who seldom or never did. And since engaged employees are happier and more productive, this is a win for everyone involved.
How to Successfully Conduct 1:1 Meetings with Employees
- Schedule 1:1 Meetings in Advance
Without a set schedule, 1:1 meetings will fall by the wayside. Therefore, book them in advance. If something comes up and you have to cancel, reschedule as soon as possible. - Have an Agenda
Since you don’t want 1:1 meetings to take up your entire day, stick to an agenda. Know what you want to discuss. Also, if necessary, discreetly set a timer so sessions don’t run too long. - Ask Meaningful Questions
A conversation centered around, “So, how’s it going?” probably won’t give you much information. Thus, be prepared to ask more probing questions such as, “What is something I should consider changing?” and “How’s life outside of work?” For more ideas, check out this list of Questions Great Managers Ask Their Employees. - Review In-Progress Items
Because you want employees to continue moving forward, use this time to discuss their progress too. Topics may include career goals, current assignments and/or problems they are working to overcome. Provide constructive feedback as well. Congratulate them on a job well done. Make suggestions about a current project. Or offer advice on how to overcome an obstacle. - Take Notes
Especially if you have lots of employees, keeping track of everyone will be a challenge. So, jot down a few notes after each session. That way you’ll be able to pick up each meeting where the last one left off.
Is Hiring Outstanding Employees Another One of Your Priorities this Year?
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