When I wrote my book ‘Leading People - a practical toolbox for managers’ in 2019 we had no Coronavirus and I was hot about 1-on-1’s. 18 months on and I’m even more passionate and convinced that this is an essential ‘big rock’ in our current environment. Read my post outlining six benefits to investing time into 1-on-1’s..

I’m all about connection. Anyone who’s worked with me knows that. In workshops, in person, on the sports field, I love to connect with people. As we grapple with the ongoing impacts of this pandemic, I want to share a few reminders of how we can continue to connect 1-on-1 in simple and effective ways…

If you still are trying to work out what coaching is and how it can assist you in leading people, then take a few minutes to read this. Coaching is a just another way of having a conversation. It is aimed at developing the thinking, competence, and autonomy of the person being coached. The concept of coaching as a technique has been around for almost 50 years, but I am constantly surprised that many managers with direct reports aren’t using this important tool to their advantage.

Active listeners are deliberate. They remind themselves frequently that their goal is to truly hear what the other person is saying. They set aside all other thoughts and behaviours, and concentrate on the message. Developing active listening skills requires you to analyse your position within the conversation. It is essential that you understand how you ‘come across’ as you listen.

Managers need to become better listeners. In fact, not only is it a good managerial skill, it’s also a key leadership skill. I firmly believe that the higher up you are in an organisation, the more listening you should do. But listening can be really hard! All the distractions of the day clog our minds. Read my tips on how to stay focused on the 1-on-1 interactions that count.

When a 1 on 1 with a direct report comes around, remember: the most important task in your calendar is to be present, right now! You have both put aside the time to be here and meet. It isn’t urgent, but it is critically important. Use the time you have put aside for the intended purpose. Shut the laptop, turn your phone off, and move these devices aside.

As managers, you are responsible and accountable for the performance, growth, and on-the-job wellbeing of your direct reports. The 1-on-1 meeting is the simplest and most effective way to invest time in your direct reports. This investment will pay dividends in almost every area of your business.

I have definitely benefited from being coached by colleagues, as well as from coaching others in training workshops. In many ways, I get to practise being coached by participants every time I deliver workshops on coaching as a tool for managers. But the benefits of coaching can only be realised when the coachee owns the goal.