In our post last week, we talked about the importance of creating engaging 1:1s, so that you can make the most out of your time together, and to learn what’s working, what’s not working, and what could be better.

We provided you with our simple framework that uses these open-ended questions:

  • What were your successes this past week?
  • What were your challenges?
  • What did you learn?
  • What are your suggestions for what you’ll focus on in the upcoming week?
  • What support do you need from me in order to be successful?

We heard from some of you that you tried this new framework (well done!) but, you’re not getting great input from your employees on all of the questions. You’re wanting to know HOW to put our framework into practice so that you’re 1:1s are more engaging.

We appreciate you letting us know that you’ve hit this bump in the road. Don’t give up!

To support you and your employees in having great 1:1s, we’d recommend keeping these three things in mind: patience, curiosity, and consistency.

Patience

  • Remember that everyone is unique, processes information differently, and has their own natural tendencies to change (even when it’s positive). It may take some people longer than others, to embrace this new type of meeting.
  • When an employee gets stuck on one of your questions, you could recommend that they keep notes during the week, so that when they come to the meeting, they can use those notes to jog their memory.
  • Example: What would it look like if you made some quick notes at the end of each day about any challenges that you encountered?

Curiosity

  • As we mentioned last week, this is a great opportunity to be curious and use your Reciprocal Influence skill.
  • When an employee doesn’t want to answer or can’t remember what the previous week looked like, consider asking some additional open-ended questions to help prompt them.
  • Example: I’m curious, did you have any satisfying interactions, complete any project milestones, or learn a new skill? What did those look like?

Consistency

  • When you connect with people on a consistent basis, you’re creating a foundation for trust and stability.
  • By reminding employees that you’ll continue using this framework in your 1:1s AND that you’ll plan to review and refine along the way, they’ll start to lean in and become more comfortable in sharing.
  • Example: I appreciate everything you shared today. It was so helpful to have a better idea of the various facets of your work world. What benefits have you seen as you’re sharing in this new way? I look forward to continuing this new 1:1 framework, and welcome any feedback you have about it.

We hope you’ve already started to see success in some of your 1:1s, since our post last week. And, if not, consider how patience, curiosity, and consistency could help you to have richer and more engaging conversations.

A great bonus in asking these types of questions is that you’ll likely start to learn what people are passionate about, what their aspirations are, and any areas they’d like to work on developing.

Let us know how it goes! 

If you’d like support
to create some space
in your days,
contact us today.