4 ms·

I consider 1:1s to be lethal for team working, and only make sense if each report is completely siloed. If, as in the real world, we are working together on pro

I consider 1:1s to be lethal for team working, and only make sense if each report is completely siloed. If, as in the real world, we are working together on projects as teams then any decision making made or direction given behind closed doors without team awareness will cause serious problems with cohesion. There is nothing more annoying than trying to figure out what this person has been instructed by their manager in secret, so that if necessary you can countermand it in order to get stuff done properly. It is a peculiarly American construct, and seems rather antiquated after experiencing modern team management style.

brianwawok 4y ago
I don’t think you understand what a good 1:1 is. If you think a 1:1 is a secret meeting to tell you secrets, you have no clue. I’d suggest reading up on it somewhere, for example Claire at knowyourteam has some blogs and ebooks that give a high level.
- somewhereoutth 4y ago
  Ah but if you give (or force) people the opportunity to do the wrong thing, they will almost invariably do it, best of intentions or otherwise. HR stuff gets exhausted soon enough, and then you are back to operational matters and the problems begin. I'm sure there are lots of blogs and ebooks about 1:1s, but I doubt they approach them with the requisite critical mindset for a clear view, given that they themselves are a product of this somewhat anachronistic management culture - bear in mind that in the US an employee is 'owned' by the employer to a rather greater extent than in Europe.
  - brianwawok 4y ago
    I'm not sure I follow, but I am glad you are not my manager.
escapedmoose 4y ago
A 1:1 shouldn’t be focused on project-related things—you’re right to assume that would just muddy the waters. 1:1s are best used for personal growth. Asking your manager things like “what do you perceive as my weaknesses/strengths” and “what training opportunities can you help me pursue” etc. It should be a personal discussion that helps you to grow in your career and get what you want out of your employment.
- somewhereoutth 4y ago
  Indeed - personal growth and other HR type things. Once a month max I'd think, certainly not once a week. At once a week you soon run out of HR stuff and start talking about operation matters again.
  - escapedmoose 4y ago
    Oh yes once per week is certainly overkill.

brianwawok 4y ago

I don’t think you understand what a good 1:1 is. If you think a 1:1 is a secret meeting to tell you secrets, you have no clue. I’d suggest reading up on it somewhere, for example Claire at knowyourteam has some blogs and ebooks that give a high level.

somewhereoutth 4y ago
Ah but if you give (or force) people the opportunity to do the wrong thing, they will almost invariably do it, best of intentions or otherwise. HR stuff gets exhausted soon enough, and then you are back to operational matters and the problems begin. I'm sure there are lots of blogs and ebooks about 1:1s, but I doubt they approach them with the requisite critical mindset for a clear view, given that they themselves are a product of this somewhat anachronistic management culture - bear in mind that in the US an employee is 'owned' by the employer to a rather greater extent than in Europe.
- brianwawok 4y ago
  I'm not sure I follow, but I am glad you are not my manager.

escapedmoose 4y ago

A 1:1 shouldn’t be focused on project-related things—you’re right to assume that would just muddy the waters. 1:1s are best used for personal growth. Asking your manager things like “what do you perceive as my weaknesses/strengths” and “what training opportunities can you help me pursue” etc. It should be a personal discussion that helps you to grow in your career and get what you want out of your employment.

somewhereoutth 4y ago
Indeed - personal growth and other HR type things. Once a month max I'd think, certainly not once a week. At once a week you soon run out of HR stuff and start talking about operation matters again.
- escapedmoose 4y ago
  Oh yes once per week is certainly overkill.