> - Its awkward because you often have little or nothing to discuss. This might mean your manager was not empathizing, actively listening, showing concern for

> - Its awkward because you often have little or nothing to discuss. This might mean your manager was not empathizing, actively listening, showing concern for you as a person. If they did that, you could spend an hour talking about all sorts of things, because you would enjoy talking to each other. Then you pair it down to the two important things: 1) how you are feeling (as a person/employee/citizen/etc), 2) are there any problems or frustrations you would like to discuss. > - The person you are speaking to is pretty much powerless should you need something to change That might be true, might not be true. The manager's job is to fight for you and defend you. Even if they have no power. They should at least be giving you the illusion that there is something still to be done; and if not, helping you understand the bigger picture, minimizing the bad, and emphasizing the good. > - Its yet another meeting you have to attend True enough. But if the above is done, it's a meeting you might actually enjoy, if only for an opportunity to vent, or share what you're working on that you enjoy.