One on Ones
One on Ones are central to effective management. They are the forum to conduct the four key management activities we describe in our How-Tos. More importantly they are a place to build trusting, open relationships with your direct reports.
One on Ones are weekly 30 minute meetings, one on one with each of your direct reports. They are conducted in a private location where the manager and the report are comfortable with open discussion. The format should be relaxed but structured. We recommend the following agenda:
- 10 minutes for the direct report
- 10 minutes for the manager
- 10 minutes to discuss goals, careers, and growth opportunities
In the first 10 minutes the direct report should be encouraged to discuss recent activites, challenges and blocks. Also to describe what activites she has enjoyed and what she disliked. The second 10 minutes should be an opportunity for the manager to give feedback to the direct report, to track goals and commitments, and to follow up on coaching plans. The final 10 minutes are for more forward looking discussions. It is important that the manager provides ongoing assistance to the direct report in career planning and opportunities for growth.
There are a few important things to remember about One on Ones:
- Do not miss a meeting! At all costs try not to reschedule or skip a meeting. An important aspect of the One on One is that it is a consistent, regular forum.
- Every manager has time to spend 30 minutes with each of her reports! When the meeting is conducted effectively it will represent a huge time saving in the day to day activities of the manager and the direct report!
- The key to the One on One is open communication - in both directions.