Effective One on Ones

This desk is part of the attendee preparation for our workshop Leading Engineering Teams For New Managers.

It's the context for Day 3: Effective One on Ones. For the video and transcript to go with these slides, check out its resources page on our site.

Transcript

1. Effective one on ones Blackmill
2. Goals • Learn each other • Build trust • Gain shared context • Plan and support career growth • Solve problems Blackmill 2
3. Styles • To-do list meeting • The catch-up • The feedback and coaching meeting • The progress report • Getting to know you Blackmill 3
4. Common challenges • Postponed/cancelled • Nothing to say • Focus is only on project updates Blackmill 4
5. Make 1:1’s sacred time Good time for: • Coaching • Give and receive feedback • Prioritise and align with company's vision, mission, and objectives • 1:1’s are your most important management tool Blackmill 5
6. Understand engagement 5 brain cravings 1. Certainty 2. Autonomy 3. Meaning 4. Progress 5. Social Inclusion Blackmill 6
7. Certainty • Consistent 1:1’s • Take notes and follow up • Set clear expectations Blackmill 7
8. Autonomy • Give more choice or more direction • Each person can/should have some domains of ownership Blackmill 8
9. Meaning • Use impact statements • “This matters because...” • “I’m bringing it up because...” • Use 1:1 time to connect day-to-day back to higher meaning Blackmill 9
10. Progress • Start 1:1’s with small wins • Task-boxing • Regular specific feedback • Individual development plan Blackmill 10
11. Social inclusion • Small talk matters • Be vulnerable • Build networks. Who do they go to for support? Who would they like more contact with? • Team dynamics: Who stays quiet? Who doesn’t get responses? • Be sure to ask about their lives outside of work • COVID-19 – check in on extroverts on how isolation is impacting them Blackmill 11
12. Starting a new reporting relationship • Focus on trust and rapport • Create 30/60/90-day plan • Encourage participation by updating the new hire documentation • Communicate expectations • Get feedback from a new hire, with a grain of salt • Have 1:1s Blackmill 12
13. Key points 1. It's their meeting 2. Use different styles 3. Be vulnerable 4. Be consistent Blackmill 13