How Often Should I Meet With Direct Reports?
Spending quality time with direct reports builds stronger relationships with them. When you consider the significant impact leaders have on employee engagement and retention, 1:1 meetings are a natural way to invest in these relationships. It is also true that leaders may struggle with the sheer number of meetings on the calendar and the time required for meaningful conversations. Having clarity, setting expectations, and determining frequency for 1:1 meetings benefits everyone. Gather some insight by following these steps:
First, ask yourself the following questions.
Why are 1:1 meetings important to me?
What are my goals for 1:1 meetings?
Do I have standing agenda items I would like to discuss?
How often would I like to meet with each direct report?
How am I connecting with each direct report outside of our 1:1 meetings?
Next, ask each direct report the following questions.
Why are 1:1 meetings important to you?
What are your goals for 1:1 meetings?
Do you have standing agenda items for us to discuss?
How often do you feel we should have our 1:1 meetings?
How can we make sure we’re connecting between meetings, especially when you need my time?
Finally, agree upon the 1:1 meeting frequency and standing agenda for each direct report.
Put the meetings on your calendars for the next six months.
Determine who will own the agenda for the meetings (suggestion: your direct report).
At the six month mark, check in to see if these meetings are too often, not often enough, or just right. Adjust accordingly.
Assess your results from the 1:1 meetings. Are they meeting the goals you set for them?
Meeting frequency can be different for direct reports based on employee tenure, preference, location (remote or in-person), etc. The consistency comes in the form of clarity for you and each direct report regarding the purpose and agenda for the 1:1 meetings.
A parting piece of advice: at least once a year, change up the 1:1 meeting location and go have a meal together or enjoy a walk outside. You will be surprised how the new setting positively enhances your working relationship.
Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching can have on you and your leadership.