How to get the most out of your 1:1s
erik.wiffin.com
How to get the most out of your 1:1s
1–10 of 212 posts
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#2I have 1 on 1s too and we talk about anything at all, including status updates if the employee wants too. Because it all builds a connection. It's like a coffee chat.
I think it works the best when it's completely open to anything at all.
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#3I have 1 on 1s too and we talk about anything at all, including status updates if the employee wants too. Because it all builds a connection. It's like a coffee chat. I think it works the best when it's completely open to anything at all.
I agree with you that if the worker wants to turn it into a status update, they should be allowed to.
However... why do they feel like turning it into a status update? Is it because the manager isn't sufficiently looped in to what's happening on a daily basis?
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#4I have 1 on 1s too and we talk about anything at all, including status updates if the employee wants too. Because it all builds a connection. It's like a coffee chat. I think it works the best when it's completely open to anything at all.
I agree with you that if the worker wants to turn it into a status update, they should be allowed to. However... why do they feel like turning it into a status update? Is it because the manager isn't sufficiently looped in to what's happening on a daily basis?
This is often the case. Gotta get credit and feedback on your work.
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#5Our company policy about 1:1 is pretty similar to what is outlined in this article.
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#6I've seen it all. From hobbies to marital problems.
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#7I have 1 on 1s too and we talk about anything at all, including status updates if the employee wants too. Because it all builds a connection. It's like a coffee chat. I think it works the best when it's completely open to anything at all.
I agree with you that if the worker wants to turn it into a status update, they should be allowed to. However... why do they feel like turning it into a status update? Is it because the manager isn't sufficiently looped in to what's happening on a daily basis?
Sometimes, because a status update is less awkward than sitting there in silence.
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#8I have 1 on 1s too and we talk about anything at all, including status updates if the employee wants too. Because it all builds a connection. It's like a coffee chat. I think it works the best when it's completely open to anything at all.
I agree with you that if the worker wants to turn it into a status update, they should be allowed to. However... why do they feel like turning it into a status update? Is it because the manager isn't sufficiently looped in to what's happening on a daily basis?
I have 30 minute 1:1’s every week with my team (8 engineers). I’m in weekly backlog grooming sessions, semi-weekly demos, retros and sprint planning and of course daily standups. I’m in weekly status calls with two separate customers and weekly prioritization calls with product. I’m in constant dozer mode trying to clear a path for my team to eliminate blockers, execute bullshit corp process and help them resolve issues hands-on. I have a team member in my ear 80% of the week and half of them still prefer to regurgitate status than have any kind of other conversation.
At times I’ll interrupt them and say ’this isnt a status call, this is your time to complain, vent, suggest, ask whatever you like and find a way for me to help you’. I always try to keep them upbeat and ask about the weekend, hobbies, etc. Not everybody wants that conversation i think.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#9I used to have a boss who’d ask me to rate my company satisfaction with the company 1-10 at every 1:1. This always struck me as one of the laziest/misguided management moves I’ve encountered, and I’m sure he felt it was both accurate and clever. If you manage people, and don’t understand that basic power dynamics will always trump encouragements for “openness”, you are naive at best and willfully blind at worst.
Re: How to get the most out of your 1:1s
#10I've led large orgs and fucked it up a few times in the beginning.
My #1 best recommendation for those starting out is to always tell your direct reports that this is their time and you guys can talk about whatever is on your mind. Like the article says, make sure you verbalize this is not a status update meeting. What's obvious to you is not obvious to them.
If you guys run out of topics to chop up, I also recommend asking for advice from your direct report about any subject that's on your mind. It builds rapport.