Effective 1-to-1s

(From Andy Grove’s High Output Management)

The 1-to-1 is the most effective tool in a manager’s toolbox for working with direct reports. If one hour a week can help a direct report or their team perform well for a week, it’s time well spent.

Content

• Mutual teaching
• Exchange of information
• Indicators, problems, concerns and especially potential issues
• Heart-to-heart topics
• Build rapport
• Developing shared approaches, ideas and values to facilitate delegation and build trust

Frequency

• Depends on task-relevant maturity
• Depends on how quickly things change in the work area or current projects
• Schedule on a rolling basis if needed

Length

• Half an hour to one hour

Remember

• It is the subordinate’s meeting
• To keep a log and take notes
• To ask one more question

Listening

• Active listening 👂
• You don’t have to solve all issues for others - you only need to resonate
• Repeat what others say - ‘It sounds like you are struggling with…’
• Avoid judgemental questions, even the word ‘why…’
• Avoid leading questions
• Avoid double-ended questions

Questions to ask

• What are you trying to achieve?
• What was the original goal or remit?
• What have you tried already? What happened?
• What options are available to you?
• What steps could you take to move you closer to your goal?
• What actions will you take next?
• What might get in the way, or stop you from taking that action?

Align expectations

• What does great work mean for both of you?
• Know how to diagnose and solve problems with your direct reports