6 top tips for managing remote 1-2-1 meetings
Remote working is not just a trend – it is a new way of working. In some cases, managers and leaders are finding themselves suddenly manging a complete remotely team, which can be scary if it’s the first time you have had to do this.
So, as more businesses continue to embrace remote working, it is important to understand how to run a successful 1-2-1 meeting remotely.
These top tips will help you prepare yourself and your team for success:
When and where?
Plan and dedicate time for your 1-2-1s; remember, regular check-ins can prevent broader issues from arising. Sometimes, it can be hard to find time for a 1-2-1 meeting so plan them in your diary and make sure you keep to your schedule.
The space in which you host your meetings is really important and can facilitate a great conversation, so be aware of your surroundings and make sure there are no distractions.
Be flexible
Talk to your employees and see what time works best for you both. Remember, one of the key benefits of remote working is flexibility, but only if you allow this to take place.
Establish expectations before the meeting
Plan the agenda carefully and share it in advance. Gathering together information for a remote 1-2-1 meeting takes effort, so do not waste time during the meeting.
Remember the purpose of the meeting and stay on track.
Be prepared
Make sure you have the necessary tools and resources that you might need, and remember all prep work should be done in advance.
Monitor your time
It is easy to forget about time in a 1-2-1 meeting, so tracking how long your sessions take will help you to determine whether you’re really as efficient as possible with the way that you work. For instance, if you schedule a 30-minute meeting but spoke for 45, this is a good sign that you’re trying to cover too much in one go
Make sure everyone knows their actions
Always double check at the end of the meeting that everyone is clear about their actions and the next steps, and send a follow up to confirm all the details.
Author: Katie Fletcher FCIPD, Senior HR Projects Advisor at Howarths
