Manager 1 on 1s - What are they? What to talk about?

Some key ideas:

• Pursue awkward 1:1s
  • 1:1 are a very inefficient way to talk about normal topics so lean into awkward topics.
  • Some examples: I'm close to burn-out and feeling disengaged, I don't agree with the feedback I received, your compliment last week made my week much better.
  • Don't talk about any topic that you could discuss in the open.
  • The Art of the Awkward 1:1. You probably do a lot of one-on-one… | by Mark Rabkin | Medium
• Go beyond status updates
  • Think about the highlight and lowlight of the week
  • Share an observation + tentative language about a problem
• Write down takeaways

Before the meeting

• Lock down a regular time slot
• Set clear expectations around the content of the meeting.
• Align on communication style
• Have one document that houses every meeting's agenda and notes (agenda, action items, notes)

During the 1 on 1

• Rose, Thorn, Bud strategy
• Rose: A win you experienced since the last time you two had a chat. Does not have to be a big win, just needs to start the meeting on a positive note.
• Thorn: A challenge you've recently encountered and might need more support on.
• Bud: A new idea you have or something you want to learn more about and you want your manager's input on.

After the meeting

• Schedule some time to follow up on the action items.
• Add stuff to the agenda or the next meeting.
• Remind your manager of any of his action items that might have slipped through the cracks.

Resources:

• 6 Tips for Productive 1:1 Meetings with Your Manager - YouTube
• How To Have a Successful Skip Level Meeting With An Executive - YouTube
• I Spent 5 Years Mastering This Technique - The Art Of The 1:1 Meeting - YouTube