Most management conversations happen during group meetings, emails. Over the phone or when a problem arises.
However, it is good practice to meet with your boss one on one more frequently to get a little advice, support and motivation.
The main goal of a one on one meeting with your boss is communicating with them about the work you are carrying out for them.
- Before you go into a meeting with your boss ask yourself the following:
- Are there problems that haven’t been spotted yet?
- Problems that need to be solved?
- Resources that need to be obtained?
- Are any instructions or goals not clear?
- Has anything happened since we last talked that the boss should know about?
- Are there questions the boss needs to answer?
Here are a few tips for making the most of a one on one session with your boss.
- Be prepared – make notes about what you would like to discuss with your boss ahead of time. If you have a problem to discuss bring your recommended solution, likewise if you have a decision to be made, make your recommended decision known.
- Keep your boss informed of all the key things you have been working on. This is a good opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and get some guidance and coaching from your boss.
- Own up to your mistakes. If you are having a meeting due to a mistake you have made, don’t be afraid to own up to it and make yourself accountable. Do not try and pass the blame or point the finger at your colleagues.
- Always try to have a positive attitude in meetings with management. It is not productive or helpful to go into a meeting with a negative state of mind and you will cover more ground in your meeting if you stay upbeat.
- Include career development as a regular agenda item in your meetings. This will help you determine and achieve your goals as well as demonstrate to your boss that you are ambitious and have a desire to improve.
- Ask for feedback. Many bosses find giving feedback uncomfortable but by asking for it you are opening the lines of communication and making them feel more comfortable.
- Let your boss know what you need in order to be successful. If you let your boss know in a constructive way how they can support you, most will do what they can to help.