Like myself, you would have probably experienced a number of terrible one-on-one meetings with colleagues and employees.
One-on-one meetings usually feel disorganised and hurried than they should be. And oftentimes when they happen, it quickly transitions into boring status updates.
Given how boring and ubiquitous these meetings are, we need to explore why they are so bad? And what can be done to make it purposeful?
Let me share a guiding phrase that has helped me in all aspects of my life: “On Purpose, With Purpose.” Too often we navigate life—and particularly our jobs—by going through the motions. We do what we do because we have always done so, and we never ask ourselves why. “On purpose” means you know why you are doing what you are. “With purpose” means your actions align with your why.
On Purpose
What is the purpose of your one-on-one meetings? I think the meetings with your employee are one of the most important you have during your week. The gaps between what we expect and what we experience often occur because of either a failure to communicate or a misunderstanding of purpose. So, what is your purpose? Effective one-on-one meetings can do many things, including but not limited to the following:
- Connect, build trust, and strengthen relationships
- Inform and update
- Provide mutual feedback for growth and improvement
- Discuss career development
Once you are clear as to your purpose for your meetings, the next step is to ask your employee what they want for the meeting. I believe that one-one-ones are more for them than they are for you, so let them be in the driver’s seat. Just make sure they know where you want to head and are aware of the navigation lines on the road (boundaries). It’s important that together you establish the purpose.
Ask your employee what they would like to have happen during your meetings. Listen well, make sure you clearly understand, and then add your intentions. Now, together, you can create a mutual purpose for your meetings. With a mutual purpose in place, ask your employee, “Can we agree that from this point forward we will stick to the purpose of our meetings?” Also agree that should either of you take the meeting off course you will remind each other to stay on course.
It’s probably also important to remember that people are craving human connection right now. Social distancing, masks, and working from home leave many feeling disconnected. Try asking yourself, Why is my employee behaving this way? As you ponder possible answers, consider that they might need to talk and share. This may help you focus when they are sharing. I also suggest that you ask your employee, “How are you doing?” Giving them an occasional outlet may allow your meetings to stay on point.
With Purpose
Some cars today are equipped with Lane Departure Warning Systems. These sensors detect when the car is leaving its lane and give the driver a warning. This allows the driver to correct course. When you find yourself drifting in your meetings, try these two course-correction strategies.
Be curious. Conflict and frustration often come as a result of a lack of curiosity. Curiosity encourages us to put ourselves in another’s shoes and to take interest in their ideas and motives rather than focusing only on our own.
Listen to understand, not to respond. We know that we can process faster than others can speak. This can make it difficult to stay focused. Don’t just listen for details, listen for the big picture.
I once heard someone say, “I’ve never been in a boring meeting.” Immediately I thought, they have never been in one of my meetings. In seriousness, I’ve reflected on that numerous times throughout my life and have come to the conclusion that my experience in meetings, whether large group or one-on-ones, has less to do with the person delivering or the content they’re sharing and more to do with me. When you find yourself straying in meetings, remember to be curious, listen to understand, and be on purpose with purpose.
