O3s: 10 - 10 - 10 split

I try not to use O3's as a tactical meeting. Try is the key word. Sometimes it degenerates into one. The O3 is about the relationship. Coaching, performance stuff, the future, dreaming outloud, talking about cats, kids, hobbies.

I always feel that when I use O3's for actual data dumps it misses the point. I have other meetings for that. Project review meetings, staff meetings and daily standups. That said, I have staff that only want to talk about their projects and give status updates in our O3's. I think it's what I'm going to get (feedback on this issue has not really worked) and I think it's OK since the time is about them. The rule is we can talk about anything...even work...as long as work is what they want to talk about...LOL.

Just to add a small point to what tool said:

Even if you hit a peak in terms of workload and the O3s degenerate into a data dump, check your previous O3 notes and make a point to quickly follow up on how the direct's child did in the school play, or how the search for a vacation destination is going. It takes a second, and your directs will love it!

[quote="jemflower"]Normally, what I would do is in my 10 mins (i.e. 10 mins for me, not their 10 mins) is go through a list of their work to get an update. I like doing this because then I feel that I don't have to micro-manage throughout the week, they don't feel like I'm looking over their shoulder every 2 mins, etc.[/quote]

I tend to use my 10 minutes more tactically - along the lines jemflower describes (that's the High "D" in me, I'm sure! :lol: ).

We DO talk about cats, kids, ailing parents and hobbies, just maybe not as much as others do. Plus, the balance differs based on the direct I'm talking to. AND, Tool's comments gets at an important point: if you have other regular meetings to cover the tactical stuff, then the O3 can be reserved for more of the other topics.

So yes, jemflower, I think you're roughly on the right track.

-Hugh