Maximize one-on-one meetings with your manager!

Hold Your Manager Accountable!  7 Essential Conversation Topics to ensure your One-on-One Meetings are also focused on your growth & development.

Harvard Business Review (HBR) just put out a newsletter on making the most of one-on-one meetings with your manager.   I agree with their direction.  One-on-one weekly or biweekly meetings with your manager should NOT JUST be about project updates.

One-on-One meetings are a perfect opportunity to ASK QUESTIONS and foster your growth & development!

HBR gave 28 questions to consider, but to simplify there were 7 crucial conversation areas to make the most of your one-on-on meetings:

Here at the 7 conversation topics:

1. Guidance & Input: Collaborate with your manager to find solutions & overcome obstacles.

2. Clarify Priorities & Expectations:  Discuss if you are aligned on project prioritization & progress.

3. Align with organization & strategy:  Talk about how your work is fitting into the company’s larger goals & strategies.

4. Seek Growth Opportunities & Career Advancement:  Explore the skills you want to improve or attain to help you move towards your long-term career goals.

5. Feedback Exchange:  Ask for constructive feedback on your performance & ways to enhance your strengths.

6. Build a Relationship:   Get to know each other on a personal level.

7. Offer Support:  Is there something you can do to help them achieve their goals?

Try a couple of questions each week and see how it goes.

Remember, these conversations are an investment in your growth & success.  Don’t make One-on-Ones just about project updates.