1:1s with direct reports
The most effective tool to support and lead your direct report is the 1:1 or one-on-one meeting. This meeting is for the direct report - give them the space to direct the meeting and take as much airtime as they need. There’s always heaps to talk about. Here are some topics you can cover.
Personal well being. Check how people are doing, not just at work, but also (if they’re comfortable sharing), in their personal lives. Share stuff about yourself too. Be human.
Sensitive conversations. Some sensitive conversations can’t happen in writing. Handle these topics in a real time conversation.
Progress on expectations. The reporting relationship usually corresponds with a performance management process. Use this meeting to assess progress and course correct if necessary.
Helping each other. Advice is cheap, execution is costly. Use this meeting to offer to roll up your sleeves and offer meaningful help. By helping you build a strong relationship between you and your people by sharing their execution burden and by teaching them a thing or two.
Feedback. In an ideal world, don’t wait for a 1:1 meeting to share feedback. That said, sometimes the 1:1 is the earliest available synchronous opportunity to have such conversations.