As a team leader, it is essential that you are in sync and connected with members of your team. Both parties need to communicate about updates and status of any pending projects. Many times though, communication is lacking. This is where having one on one meetings comes in. There are a number of benefits to these types of meetings that include:

• A chance to discuss updates on projects, progress and activities.
• Allows for questions to be asked and answered.
• An opportunity to grow individual relationships.
• You will get a chance to provide coaching and feedback.

In order to achieve all these great benefits, you want your meetings to be as effective as possible. You also want to make sure you are using a team progress tracking software. This will help you have a handle on what has been done, what’s getting done, and what can’t be completed (and why).

Below are ideas on how to make the most of your one one one meetings

1. Make expectations clear

In order to make the most of your meeting, you want to take the time to put together some sort of agenda. Nothing too formal but you do want to be on the same page about goals, expectations and what you want the outcome to be for these meetings. It is also important that you not only share your goals for the meeting but that your team members express what they are hoping to get out of the meeting as well. This will result in a meeting that is both productive and effective for both parties.

2. Set up meetings on a regular basis

Now that you know what you want to achieve with these meetings, you need to think about setting up a schedule for them. Meeting once a quarter is not going to benefit either of you. There is no one size fits all in terms of how often to meet but this is a very important puzzle to the company’s success. Make it count by meeting more often than not. Put it in your calendar and always be on time.

3. Show up prepared

Time is money, so you want these meetings to be productive. Take the time to prepare what you want to accomplish with each individual meeting. Whether it is on paper or digital, have a list of topics and questions you want to cover. You don’t want to be relying on your memory for this.

4. Avoid making the meeting a monologue

One on one meetings are a two way street. Both parties need to participate and a great way to start off a meeting is by having your team member go first. Let them share what is on their list of things to discuss and a conversational format will naturally follow.

5. Give feedback

Many times, one on one meetings wind up getting stuck in a loop of day to day issues. Although these are important to discuss, you want to make sure you are also giving feedback in real time. On the flip side, open up the conversation for feedback on your performance as well. This will help make certain that you are working towards the goals of the bigger picture for your team and the company.

6. Repeat back

With so much miscommunication happening between people, repeating back what you heard is essential. Not only does it help strengthen the relationship with your team member, but you ensure that you are on the same page with the discussion.

7. Take notes

Just like you have notes prepared for your meeting, you want to take notes as you move from topic to topic. You can then create a document to share between you and your team member. Each of you should go through it to make sure all the key points from both sides are in it.

Final thoughts

Having one on one meetings with your team members can be very effective and helpful if executed properly. Take the time to prepare for them by using the above tips and you will build stronger relationships with your team members while boosting productivity levels.