Whether you are the boss or the direct report, many people dread their regular one-on-one meetings.
It does not have to be that way!
Here are some tips to improve your meetings:
*How Often? Every two weeks works for most people, but of course there are exceptions.
*How Long? Block 50 minutes and don’t feel like you have to fill the time. If you are done then you are done. If you need longer than this either one of you are long-winded or you have a special project that may need its own meeting.
*Create a Joint Meeting Agenda Using Shared Google Doc. Set this up and add notes to it after every meeting. Each of you can add things to the agenda for the next meeting. There should be no surprises in these meetings.
*Take a Moment to Reflect on Purpose/Vision/Direction. Take just a minute at the beginning of the meeting to remind yourselves of the “noble purpose” of your organization (check here to learn more about Noble Purpose). This does not have to take long put sets up an important context.
*Regular Career/Professional Development Check-ins. Every four-six weeks put career/professional development on the agenda. This helps both of you to keep this top of mind.
*Bring a Positive Vibe. This is an important person you are meeting with – no matter if you are the boss or direct report. Bring your “A Game.”
*Close your computer and put your phone away. Print out the agenda so both of you have it in front of you. If you are meeting on Zoom, keep other windows closed and use just one screen.
BONUS: How many direct reports should I have anyway? Opinions vary, but I say absolutely no more than seven people – and five is even better. With more than seven people you lose track of their activities or don’t have time to do your own work or both.
None of these are magical suggestions, but if you use most of them then you will create a more intentional and productive one-on-one meeting. Maybe forward this to your boss and direct reports: “Let’s try some of these ideas for our next meeting.”
*Ideas for this blog taken from: Dary, J. “5 Signs Your One-on-Ones Aren’t Working,” Harvard Business Review online, June 3, 2024.
