How to end your 1 on 1

This week we have discussed Susan Scott’s five suggestions for clear communication during one-on-one work meetings, including being consistent, ditching the checklist, being present, and letting silence open them up. Today’s Daily Tip is for the boss, to help end the one-on-one by reinforcing a positive relationship.

Suggestion #5: Solicit THEIR feedback

Susan Scott reports that in a recent survey, 80% of respondents said that the most important thing a boss can do to create a positive working relationship is to both solicit and value an employee’s input.

Many employees won’t feel safe giving a boss honest feedback, but you can start by asking.

One thing you can do is to frame it as a mutual benefit: “I want to be a better boss and to be able to help you achieve...but I can only do that if you tell me your perspective.”

You can also be specific, “Your input is valuable to me. How could I have handled X differently, from your perspective?”

And then just listen and thank them when they’re done. Nothing will discourage feedback more quickly than a leader asking for feedback, then rebutting, denying, or punishing.

People need to feel safe, to be honest.

Have a good weekend. Keep it real.

Adapted from Fierce Conversations, by Susan Scott.