The No-Agenda 1:1 Meeting

While it is helpful to have a guiding agenda for your regular 1:1 meetings, consider adding an additional connection point with your direct reports.

The No-Agenda Meeting is just that: a time for you and your direct report to engage in an open-ended conversation about whatever it is they want to discuss.  While it is incredibly easy to get caught up in your day-to-day responsibilities and checklists, these meetings give you and those you lead a moment to pause and check-in. 

A client I work with recently tried this with her long-time direct report.  She and the employee were awkward at first, wondering what it was they would cover for 45 minutes.  Both looked to the other to spark conversation.  The leader got the discussion rolling by simply asking how the direct report was doing today.  The question led to big learns: the direct report was recovering from an injury after completing her first half marathon, was anxious about meeting her partner's parents for the first time, and was frustrated with a lack of response from her colleagues regarding a client presentation later that week.

Time flew by as the leader listened, learned, and connected with her direct report, asking several questions along the way.  She was amazed at the amount of stress the direct report carried regarding the client presentation, and she had no idea her direct report was a runner, something she herself loved to do.  When the meeting was over, the leader felt energized, and the email of gratitude from her direct report the next day confirmed the feeling was mutual. 

This example won't happen every time.  You may have a direct report who is hesitant to share and the 45 minutes go by slowly and a bit painfully.  The goal is to create an environment of open communication with your team over time.  You are demonstrating your interest and support by investing this time with them. 

I suggest having a No-Agenda meeting with each direct report quarterly for at least 30 minutes.  These meetings work well virtually or in person, and they can also be held while taking a walk or enjoying a meal.  Use the time to learn about each person you lead: what motivates them, what they are passionate about, what they need from you.  Let the conversation unfold organically, starting with simple questions like: how are you today?  or what's going on in your world? 

Build trust, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate compassionate leadership by scheduling No-Agenda meetings. 

Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving.  Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.