Effective manager-report 1:1s (Zhou)

One-on-ones are essential time dedicated to helping reports succeed. Thirty minutes every week is about the minimum you should be investing.

A successful 1:1 meeting leaves the report feeling it was useful. Preparation helps achieve this success.

Design 1:1s around what the report finds important. Some staring points:

• Discuss top priorities
• Calibrate what “great” looks like
• Share feedback
• Reflect on how things are going

Managers aren’t here to “save the day”, but to empower reports to achieve their own success. Asking questions can be an effective way to accomplish this.

• Identify
  • What’s top of mind for you right now?
  • What priorities are you thinking about this week?
  • What’s the best use of our time today?
• Understand
  • What does your ideal outcome look like?
  • What’s hard for you in getting to that outcome?
  • What do you really care about?
  • What do you think is the best course of action?
  • What’s the worst-case scenario you’re worried about?
• Support
  • How can I help you?
  • What can I do to make you more successful?
  • What was the most useful part of our conversation today?

References

Julie Zhou, The Making of a Manager