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The Culture+ Blog

Insights to help you create a compelling and connected culture

What it means to be “well-prepared” for your next 1:1 meeting

I’m a bit torn. I read a statistic today that only 24% of employees believe their managers show up to their 1:1 meetings well-prepared. The other 76%? “Somewhat prepared,” “not prepared,” or “not prepared at all.” The article also said there should be a clear agenda and a coherent set of questions. I’m torn because I never prepare advance questions and I don’t change the agenda for my 1:1 meetings. Why? It’s not my meeting. It’s a meeting for the person on the other side of the table. 1:1 meetings, in my view, are a chance for your team member to have your full attention about emergent work or non-work matters.  It’s not a time for you to “get the download.” This meeting isn’t for you. When I was doing more traditional 1:1 meetings (the ones I have now are a bit different) I opened it up with a open ended question and then I listened. Along the way I asked related questions based on what I was hearing. I was listening for what mattered to them, the obstacles they were facing, what was wrong with the work or the team or whatever, and much more. I was listening as much to the subtext as to the words. In my case showing up well-prepared meant I turned off the phone, the computer, and shut the door. It meant I was fully present. For a successful 1:1, focus on them.

by Jonathan

Jonathan Wilson is the CEO of Sandcastle, a leadership training and development consultancy. He frequently speaks and writes about building high performance teams. Jonathan regularly presents his latest findings and insights to business and government leaders at local, state, and national association events (both in-person and virtual). His first book, Future Leader: Rebooting Leadership to Win the Millennial and Tech Future is available now.

Tagged: Leadership

Published on: May 7, 2019

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