The Path to Effective 1-on-1s
The Path to Effective 1-on-1s
December 11, 2023 •. Greer Procich
Let's talk about something we all experience (and makes many of us anxious): manager 1-on-1s. Throughout my career, whether I was on the giving or receiving end, there's been one constant theme – 1-on-1s can be completely ineffective. While 1-on-1s with your manager are a core aspect of most jobs, it's understandable that not every 1-on-1 is equally effective. Preparation can be limited, guidance can be minimal, and often, managers are not getting much feedback on the effectiveness of their 1-on-1s. Plus, there's this pervasive culture where everyone's racing up the career ladder, and team development takes a backseat.
At Flint, we obsess about how teams communicate and we can't help but wonder if there's a better way to run 1-on-1s.
Spoiler alert: There is!
Let's dive into how we're flipping the script with something we call "Continuous Alignment" – it’s how we’re supporting managers to use 1-on-1s for sharing actionable feedback and having ongoing, constructive performance conversations.
The Feedback Conundrum: Addressing the Challenges
While many of you may have consistent meetings with your manager, there’s probably a high chance that you’re dissatisfied with the outcomes of your 1-on-1s. According to a Harvard Business Review article, more than 50% of employees are underwhelmed with what’s accomplished in these types of meetings. In my experience, some key reasons why 1-on-1s are less effective than they could be include:
Lack of Preparation: We all face the uphill battle of unpreparedness when heading into 1-on-1 meetings. Effective preparation can be tough when time is short and schedules are packed.
Unclear Communication: Managers, particularly first-time ones, may struggle to articulate feedback clearly and transparently. Some may avoid providing feedback altogether, and there is a tendency to engage in small talk, steering away from meaningful conversations.
Lack of Goal Alignment: We frequently fall short in linking individual performance to organizational goals. When feedback lacks this broader connection, it diminishes in significance for employees. Closing the feedback loop consistently proves challenging, resulting in feeling disconnected from the bigger organizational picture.
Lack of Accountability: Managers need to be held accountable for all aspects of the feedback loop, collection, delivery and follow-up. Accountability plays a key role, ensuring both sides prioritize aspects vital for growth and development.
Continuous Alignment: A Paradigm Shift for 1-on-1s
Since we know the value of effective 1-on-1s, Flint is working towards creating a new set of best practices for managers when it comes to coaching and feedback. Enter Continuous Alignment—an approach that focuses on an intentional, ongoing dialogue about performance. Flint streamlines the feedback process through:
Staying Up to Date with Self-Reported Progress: Imagine a world where timely feedback is the norm, and the overwhelming task of recalling a year's worth of progress during an annual review is a thing of the past. Continuous Alignment opens the door for team members to openly share their journey, showcasing their work transparently and gaining valuable feedback from both peers and in 1-on-1s along the way.
Consistent Monthly Reflections: Continuous Alignment focuses on regular checkpoints, termed "Reflections." These monthly lookbacks provide managers with a full view of a team member's work, establishing a rhythm that promotes consistent and constructive communication.
Focusing on Behaviors that Lead to Success: We all have superpowers, right? Continuous Alignment is all about recognizing and boosting what's working well. Having good 1-on-1s helps keep strengths top of mind, so they can be applied and highlighted regularly—it's like career rocket fuel.
Real-Time Growth and Development Opportunities: The best part of Continuous Alignment is no longer having to wait around for the annual review. Does a team member need mentorship? Are they ready for a stretch assignment? This approach has your back just in time for your next 1-on-1.
Join us and adopt Flint’s Continuous Alignment approach, a fresh take on feedback for teams. We're firm believers that ongoing conversations are the key to unlocking a path to enduring success. Time to say goodbye to ineffective 1-on-1s and welcome a future where feedback isn't just a to-do—it's the heart and soul of a workplace that's always evolving and thriving.
At Flint, we’re building a platform to help organizations achieve Continuous Alignment. Interested in learning more? Reach out at hello@flint.cc.