February 2023:
Preparing for structured 1-2-1 meetings takes time, effort and attention – especially if it’s a new relationship OR if the conversation has the potential to be difficult. It is time well spent, however, and encouraging the proper habits up front makes the ongoing conversations more focused and productive.
Here are some general recommendations about hosting an effective 1-2-1 conversation. Most of the work is in the preparation and follow-through:
Preparing for structured 1-2-1 meetings takes time, effort and attention – especially if it’s a new relationship OR if the conversation has the potential to be difficult. It is time well spent, however, and encouraging the proper habits up front makes the ongoing conversations more focused and productive.
Here are some general recommendations about hosting an effective 1-2-1 conversation. Most of the work is in the preparation and follow-through:
- Communicate the goals, timeline and expectations to the person at least 24 hours before the conversation. Use a mechanism that best meets the person’s needs and is reflective of your relationship. It is good practice to communicate in writing.
- Keep the mood and tone consistent with the team’s or organization’s culture and your relationship with the person. Introducing formality into an informal environment can hurt the process of gaining the trust necessary to have an open and honest conversation.
- Create an environment where you can concentrate on the conversation. Meet in a neutral location, either in-person or via a video call.
Photo by airfocus
- Clarify and confirm the goals, timeline and expectations for the conversation immediately in the first few minutes. Resist moving forward until you are both in full agreement.
- Keep focused on your goals and the agenda. If you think you may run long, schedule a follow-up conversation to address any important points you have not explored. Keep the momentum!
- Track notes using a conversation record template. Tell the person you are tracking notes and explain WHY and HOW they will be used.
- Review your notes together at the end of the conversation. Engage the person for feedback to make sure you leave the conversation with the same understanding of decisions made and follow-up actions.
- Send your notes to the person immediately following the conversation.
Photo by airfocus
Interested in learning more about tips and techniques to host meaningful conversations? Contact us at info@trybarefoot.com to schedule a workshop for your team.
Cheers,
Gerard Murphy
Founder and CEO,
Barefoot Facilitation Inc.
Cheers,
Gerard Murphy
Founder and CEO,
Barefoot Facilitation Inc.