As discussed in the previous article Importance of Effective One on Ones– One on one is beneficial for all- Employees, managers and the company. It enhances employee engagement. And that’s the reason importance of a quality one on one is huge. As promised I am back with my new article and I hope this article helps you recognizing, realizing and eliminating mistakes 13 common but biggest mistakes from your one on ones making them more productive.
Performance management driven by managers is appreciated by the organization who look forward to future growth. And one on one is a key tool to drive quality manager interactions with your direct reports- that caters to great performance management. It is very important to make sure that the one on one is a quality interaction with the employees and the time invested in it gives a good return. To make sure the one on ones are mistake proof – let’s find out what are the common mistakes that managers make in one on ones.
1. Not Having a Backup Plan:
There can be days when you don’t have a specific thing to talk about or perhaps things are tense, or maybe too smooth, and you’re not sure what to cover in this meeting. Don’t cancel the one on one, in fact, this can be the opportunity where you can talk about the developmental feedback. Look for solutions to a current high-level company problem and you never know you may discover leadership potential in this report.
2. Always in the Office:
Office premises may work as a roadblock when it comes to sensitive topics. Employees may not come up with these topics which may be bothering them otherwise when they have this fear or are not sure who might be around the corner or how thin these walls really are. To avoid such hesitations call them for a coffee meeting, or a walking meeting, to change the scenery and give them the confidence to speak their hearts out.
3. No Follow Through:
The one on one meetings are as important as any other meeting. It needs to be consistent so that you can communicate value to your employees and make sure they have a safe place to air concerns. Don’t cancel or postpone one on one meetings keep the meeting on your priority list.
4. Renaming or Combining Tasks:
Don’t try to have a one-on-one with two employees at once, it won’t solve the purpose – neither will they benefit out of it. One will think what others might think. It is their time, with their managers where they don’t have the fear of being misunderstood. Combining a meeting will not give them the quality time they need. Let it stay as per the name “One on One”, simple and to the point.
5. Not Documenting Deliverable:
Your employees may request for things- like training material, or some HR or organizational related information that is not accessible to them. Always make a note of your deliverable. If they have to follow up a couple of times with you for something they need– it will erode trust. Don’t give them the opportunity to follow up.
6. Failing to Talk about Career Growth:
Every employee needs growth and yes this includes even the happiest team member you have. Timelines, new skills, and directions should be an ongoing discussion. Career paths today aren’t always ladders, so be open to moving your employee into a new department if it makes sense for their skills.
7. Spending Time on Status Updates:
Don’t waste time on taking a status update. It can be easily communicated via email – one-on-ones are for topics that require being in-person. If you must go over project statuses, limit it to five minutes.
8. Allowing Distractions:
Try not to carry your laptop or mobile during the one on ones as that can bring a lot of distractions. Consider bringing just a pad of paper and pen to minimize distractions.
9. Poor Body Language:
Look interested in the conversation and ideally, you’ll want to face each other, and make eye contact.
10. Being Forgetful:
If your report asks for feedback on an idea, make a note to follow up. If they were given corrective feedback, watch for them to show improvement, and give recognition.
11. Too Much Talking:
One on Ones is the platform for the employees to speak and the manager needs to be all ears. The manager should aim to speak for 10 percent of the meeting.
12. Eroding Trust:
This is an opportunity to build trust with your employees. If the employees admit their weakness – or ask dumb questions or share failures – should not count against your report. Give them credit for bringing something to your attention, and retain trust by keeping it between the two of you.
13. Lacking Structure:
Have a structure in place – it will help you to use your time better and you won’t miss out on things. A suggested formula allows for 15 minutes of initiatives for which your report needs your approval, 15 minutes for issues you need to raise with the report or new projects to delegate, and 10 minutes for airing concerns and discussing developmental goals.
The next time you schedule a one on one just take care of the above points and see the difference. A quality one on one will definitely help you get a successful team and we all know “a manager is as successful as his team”.
Feedbacks and comments are welcome in the comment section.