If your manager routinely cancels 1 on 1 meetings with you but not with others, that's a cause for concern.

The reality is your manager has more responsibility than you do so they most likely enter your 1:1 meeting stressed.

And, if you are doing any of the following:

1) bringing poorly thought out problems OR

2) constantly complaining OR

3) running over your allotted time

Then you are adding to their stress level and they will avoid you but there are some simple things you can do to improve the situation.

Bring solutions not just problems

Your manager has their own problems so they don't need more from you.

Yes, you need to share potential problems but bringing them solutions or well thought out options (or at the very least an action plan) takes their stress down.

Bring enthusiasm not just concerns

I'm not proposing you gloss over your concerns but step back and take stock of your whole meeting.

Is the bulk of the discussion a complaining session or are your concerns sprinkled in with areas you are genuinely excited about?

Closing your 1:1 with areas you are genuinely excited naturally lifts your spirit and theirs and gives you both momentum to tackle complaints.

End your meeting on time (or ideally, end early)

Running over 5-10 minutes does not sound like a lot but across 5-10 meetings, that's an hour behind

You can really stand out with just a little pre-planning

Start with the hottest topic. Frame the discussion and what you want from it - input, a decision, approval, an inform.

Gauge the time for each topic and if there isn't enough time, End early and push to the next meeting or schedule additional time.

If you'd like to learn more ways to make a positive impact at work, dm me.