1:1s for the new manager
Taking good 1:1s is not a mysterious process that requires a magic formula. It primarily involves actively participating, making people feel heard and acknowledged, and sincerely attempting to help them grow. Everyone has their unique way of accomplishing this.
I’ve been taking 1:1s for my team for 3 years. Through this experience, I have developed practices that have worked well for us. I am sharing my approach with the hope that some of my processes will be useful for your team and you.
Set expectations 📒
I share a Notion document called “Supercharge your 1:1” with my team before setting up calls. This helps them understand what to expect when starting 1:1s with me. I mention my management style, topics we can cover, anything they can prepare, and so on.
Be yourself and let them be too 💬
I keep my meetings conversational and let my team know that they can too. This helps create an environment where people feel comfortable talking to me and opening up about their needs.
Be an active listener 🔕
I snooze my notifications before going into a call. I make sure to limit my distractions and focus on the conversation. I expect my team to do the same. This makes the 1:1 worth everyone’s while!
Put in the time ✏️
I make sure to go in prepared. For this, I keep a record of feedback & pointers for my team throughout the month. I also take a few minutes before each call to refresh my memory on what we last discussed and ensure that I am aligned and ready to go.
Start easy 📈
I start with a general check-in and ease into some of the heavier topics. I ask questions about how their month has been, what they’ve been reading, and the like. This helps make them comfortable before opening up about the harder stuff.
Find the unique balance 🤸♀️
Each person has a different personality and a preferred style of conversation. I take the time to go beyond work and get to know them during my 1:1s. I then adjust the style and cadence of my calls with them.
Ask for highs and lows ✨
I ask people for their highs - good & great things that happened - and lows - things that made them feel down - over the last month. This helps them reflect and mention the tinier details that they might otherwise miss. It also helps me better understand what is going on in their work lives.
Ask about ‘anything else’ 🤔
I always leave time to ask my last question: “Is there anything else on your mind that you’d like to discuss?” More often than not, something new comes up.
Ask for feedback 💭
I try to ask for feedback on my 1:1 conversations and style of mentorship. This helps me tweak my approach regularly.
Don’t give surprises 🎁
I believe in honesty and transparency being catalysts for growth. I avoid surprises in 1:1s. This means that no information should take them by shock. An example of this is an unofficial skill check-in with my team which helps avoid daunting performance reviews.
Be dependable 🤝
I set private reminders to ensure I circle back on open threads. I also remain responsive on DMs for my team to give them a way to reach out outside of the allotted time.
Leave with actionables ✅
I create tasks for both parties after discussing agenda items in 1:1s. This makes sure we’re not just talking in the air but taking action.
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