Photo by Martin de Arriba on Unsplash
Creative Twists on Traditional 1-1s
by Eric on October 21, 2024
One-on-one meetings are a cornerstone of effective management, but they can sometimes become stale or unproductive. By introducing creative twists to these traditional interactions, managers can breathe new life into their 1-1s and unlock their full potential. Here are some innovative approaches to transform your one-on-one meetings into engaging and productive sessions.
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Walking 1-1s Take your meetings outdoors and combine them with a walk. This change of scenery can stimulate creativity, reduce stress, and promote a more relaxed atmosphere. Walking side-by-side also eliminates the formal barrier of a desk, encouraging more open and honest conversations. Plus, the physical activity can boost energy levels and improve overall well-being.
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Role Reversal 1-1s Flip the script by having your team member lead the meeting. This approach empowers them to set the agenda, ask questions, and drive the conversation. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to practice leadership skills and for you to gain insights into their priorities and concerns.
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Skill-Sharing 1-1s Dedicate some 1-1s to mutual skill-sharing sessions. Encourage your team member to teach you something they excel at, and in turn, share your expertise on a topic they’re interested in learning. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and helps build a stronger, more versatile team.
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Vision-Boarding 1-1s Use visual aids to make your 1-1s more engaging and memorable. Create vision boards together to map out goals, aspirations, and project plans. This creative exercise can help clarify objectives and motivate your team member to achieve their targets.
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Time-Traveling 1-1s Conduct a “future self” exercise where you both imagine yourselves six months or a year from now. Discuss what you hope to have accomplished and how you got there. This forward-thinking approach can help set ambitious yet achievable goals and create a roadmap for success.
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Gratitude 1-1s Start your meetings by expressing gratitude for each other’s contributions. This positive reinforcement can boost morale, strengthen your working relationship, and set a constructive tone for the rest of the meeting.
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Problem-Solving 1-1s Dedicate some 1-1s to tackling a specific challenge together. This collaborative approach can lead to innovative solutions and demonstrates your commitment to supporting your team member’s growth and success.
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Storytelling 1-1s Use storytelling techniques to make your meetings more engaging. Share anecdotes from your own career experiences or encourage your team member to narrate their recent accomplishments or challenges. This approach can make feedback and advice more relatable and memorable.
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Tech-Free 1-1s Challenge yourselves to have a meeting without any digital devices. This distraction-free environment can lead to more focused and meaningful conversations. Use pen and paper for note-taking to keep the meeting old-school and personal.
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Themed 1-1s Assign a different theme to each meeting, such as innovation, work-life balance, or career development. This structure can help ensure that you cover a wide range of important topics over time and keep the conversations fresh and engaging.
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Peer-to-Peer 1-1s Occasionally, facilitate 1-1s between team members instead of manager-employee meetings. This can foster stronger relationships within the team, encourage knowledge sharing, and provide a different perspective on each other’s work.
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Celebration 1-1s Dedicate some meetings to celebrating wins, both big and small. Acknowledge your team member’s achievements, discuss what led to their success, and explore how to build on these victories.
By incorporating these creative twists into your 1-1s, you can transform these meetings from routine check-ins into dynamic, engaging sessions that drive personal growth, strengthen relationships, and boost overall team performance. Remember, the key is to keep experimenting and finding what works best for you and your team members. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and adjust your approach accordingly.
Ultimately, these innovative 1-1 formats can help create a more positive and productive work environment, where open communication, creativity, and continuous improvement are valued. By investing time and effort into making your one-on-one meetings more engaging and effective, you’re not just improving a single interaction – you’re cultivating a culture of growth, trust, and success that will benefit your entire organization.