As a new leader I used to stress about 1-1 meetings. I didn’t always know what to say or which questions to ask. I was worried about being seen as a micro-manager or disinterested. Basically, I dreaded the conversations!
Looking back, the questions I learned to ask transformed my meetings from awkward and ineffective to powerful and productive. And, the meetings allowed me to develop trusting relationships with my people.
These questions have been responsible for 90% of the success I know have in 1-1 conversations (and would have saved me years of angst):
What are you working on and how can I help?
This puts the employee in the driving seat. They get to talk about what they are doing. You show care and empathy in seeking to help. As leaders we often as “how can I help” but when it comes after seeking to know more about what the employee is working on, there is greater likelihood the employee is specific about the help they need.
What obstacles can I remove that will help you be your best and truly work in your strengths zone?
This is a strengths-based question. It keeps the focus on the employees talents and how they can be maximized in their role. People move further, faster and have more fun in their strengths zone.
What are you working on now that you are most proud of?
People want to be proud of their work. They want to be sure that what they do matters. This question gets to the heart of joy, purpose and engagement.
Quality 1-1 conversations help people feel seen and cared for and to discover the best version of themselves.