One of the most important ways to get the most out of each of your people is by conducting consistent, monthly Performance Development Meetings, also known as one-on-ones. These meetings allow the two of you to develop a game plan that is customized for them and their roles and responsibilities, and that will help them focus their activities in the areas that matter most. Many team leaders speak to their staff daily, but they realize that those interactions don’t replace these monthly uninterrupted one-on-one meetings.
Outlined below is the 5-step process to conduct an effective one-on-one. This will help you and your team members hone-in on what’s important quickly, eliminating wasted time while helping and improving your team member’s skills and engagement:
Step One - Rapport
Begin dialogue with an agenda statement
Step Two – Discovery
Ask questions concerning
Step Three - Solution/Game Plan
Build a game plan to the desired situation
Step Four – Commitment
Summary of action plan
Step Five - Encouragement
Affirm your confidence in your team member
Your team members need to feel like they’re being heard and understood, and that you as their leader genuinely want help them improve their situations and set them up for success. This process will help you get to the root cause of their situations and – ultimately – help increase their confidence, effectiveness, and willingness to work.