Being an exceptional manager requires running effective one-on-ones with your team. However, many leaders are never taught how to conduct these meetings properly. Drawing from my experience as a director at a two-million-pound company by the age of 26, leading five different teams with a total of eleven thousand employees, I’ve developed a solid one-on-one structure that I never miss. Today, I’ll share with you exactly how to conduct deep 90-day one-on-ones.
The 90-Day One-on-One Structure
Every 90 days, I schedule a 90-minute meeting with each of my direct reports. This time is crucial for performance evaluation, personal development, and enhancing the manager-employee relationship. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to conduct these meetings:
1. Performance Review
Start by discussing the employee’s performance. This includes evaluating their adherence to core values, their role, and identifying both their strengths and areas for improvement. This segment sets the foundation for the rest of the discussion.
2. Personal Connection
To build a closer connection with your team member, ask deeper, more personal questions such as:
- What is your biggest fear right now?
- If you were to hand in your notice tomorrow, what would be the reason?
These questions help you understand their motivations and concerns, providing valuable insights into their mindset.
3. Personal Development
Discuss the employee’s personal development goals for the next 12 months. Cover the following points:
- What goals do they want to achieve?
- What steps are they taking to reach these goals?
- How can the company support them in achieving these goals?
This part of the conversation demonstrates your investment in their growth and aligns their personal goals with the company’s objectives.
4. Feedback for You
This is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Ask your direct report:
- What part of my leadership do you wish you could change?
- What part of the company culture do you wish you could change?
Encouraging this feedback fosters an open and transparent environment, allowing you to improve as a leader and enhance the overall workplace culture.
Conclusion
These structured 90-day one-on-ones are essential for maintaining high performance and strong relationships within your team. By following this agenda, you’ll ensure that each meeting is productive and meaningful.
If you’d like a full agenda template for these 90-day one-on-ones, simply comment “agenda” on this post, and I’ll send it to you directly.
