Reflecting on 1 on 1’s using the rearview mirror

Now that I am an independent worker I get to read all the business blogs and advice columns.  Most of the advice is a bit too cerebral for me.   Having had many Leaders and Managers in my work life, they usually scheduled a monthly 1 on 1.   The MBA playbook must come with a section on coaching and communication.  The 1 on 1 is the universal tactic to improve communications and demonstrate that your boss has a collaborative bent.  I drank the same kool-aid and held those same meetings with my employees. 

The best employees:

1. Were prepared
2. Were engaged
3. Showed up on time

The updates were then generally frank, enlightening and moved our relationship forward.

As a subordinate I was subject to some “Dilbertesque” type 1 on 1 meetings too.  How did they go off the rails?  What did we change to improve them?

1. They kept getting postponed 2-3-4X due to “more urgent” issues.1 on 1 ‘s aren’t urgent they are important.  Continued postponement shows them to be a low priority-OUCH that hurt! Timeout-don’t set them monthly set them based on activity related factors e.g. trip update, pre-presentation etc.
   
2. Only one of us was prepared.Time out-reschedule them when both can be prepared and walk away with actions.  I found that scheduling them at airport wait times or hands free twenty minute drive times were best-you can always pull over to take notes.
   
3. They were scheduled when my boss’s biorhythms were off.J could never stop yawning.  That is the ultimate turn off.Timeout-let’s reschedule.Now we are out of timeouts!
   
4. They didn’t need to go an hour.  Schedule 15-30 minutes and don’t get too chatty. Leave your next 15-30 minutes open on the back. Start on time and finish early-everybody wins!
   
5. We scheduled them over a meal  .We all need a break and a good 1 on 1 is work…and need not ruin your lunch.
   

The theme-make 1 on 1’s:

1. Short and sweet.
2. Activity driven.
3. Mutually respectful.
   

Remote employees required a different communication cadence: https://www.jimthomasintl.com/blog/remote-sales-management-is-a-contact-sport

Do you have any practical tips or pet peeves on about your 1 on 1’s I could learn from?  Do you want to have a free fifteen minute discussion so we can discuss possible mentoring opportunities for your subordinates? Sign up on my web site http://www.jimthomasintl.com/ or contact me directly by phone.
 
Good Selling!