As an engineering manager: yes to all of these. When I 1-1 with my reports I’m looking to see where their mind is this week and what they’re struggling with, s

As an engineering manager: yes to all of these. When I 1-1 with my reports I’m looking to see where their mind is this week and what they’re struggling with, so I can figure out how I can help them. The small talk is more important than many people give it credit for. Finding common ground and having a mutually friendly relationship makes the above conversations so much easier on both of us. We’re both more comfortable and more willing to be transparent and genuine.