For starters, personal interaction and active dialogue = engagement, and the last the research tells us that approximately 67% of all employees are disengaged at work.
One-on-one or monthly "Progress Meetings" (between a leader and their direct report) have become the coaching, guiding, and leading vehicle of choice for high-performing organisations.
The reasons for holding these meetings are many and valid:
1) In these meetings is where execution occurs. They are not a series of monthly "performance reviews" rather they are 45-60 minutes of focused time spent on the direct report's current performance.
2) Leaders are able to communicate effectively with each team member, leading and directing their efforts and keeping them aligned with organisational objectives. Finding out; what's working? What tools or resources do they need to achieve their goals? And learning how they as a leader can support their efforts.
3) Every 30-day meetings represent an opportunity to move key organisational initiatives forward by discussing performance and correcting errant behaviours while also recognising, praising, celebrating, and leveraging positive behaviours.
4) After each meeting the direct report knows where they stand with their leader and the organisation. They leave each meeting having had conversations of consequence and look forward to their next meeting.
5) It's a great opportunity to build trust and respect between both parties through consistent feedback, shared planning, and mutual success.
When conducted correctly, one on one meetings:
* surface all problem areas and issues related to the direct report's performance,
* guarantee that nothing is left unsaid between the two parties, and
* always result in a documented plan, put in place to remedy any challenges or leverage opportunities.
One-on-one meetings focused on individual performance are a difference-maker on so many levels. It's the type of communication most employees want, but rarely see happen.
So how are those once-per-year performance review meetings going for your organisation?
Want to enhance your leadership capability? Get in contact with Michelle Bakjac via email at michelle@bakjacconsulting.com to enquire about coaching and training to develop your key leadership competencies.
Michelle Bakjac is an experienced Psychologist, Organisational Consultant, Coach, Speaker and Facilitator. As Director of Bakjac Consulting, she is a credentialed Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a member of Mental Toughness Partners and an MTQ Plus accredited Mental Toughness practitioner. Michelle assists individuals, teams and organisations to develop and improve performance, leadership, behaviour, resilience and wellbeing. You can find her at www.bakjacconsulting.com
