Scheduling and preparing for a 1:1 meeting is more than just picking a time slot—it involves thoughtful planning to ensure the conversation is meaningful and productive.
1:1 meetings are essential tools for managers to build strong relationships with their team members, foster open communication, and provide personalized guidance. Whether you're discussing career development, tracking progress on goals, or addressing challenges, these meetings help create a culture of trust and accountability.
This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step method for managers to effectively schedule 1:1 meetings. It covers everything from accessing the 1:1 Meeting feature to outlining a clear agenda, ensuring that each interaction is meaningful and leads to actionable outcomes.
Step 1: Access the 1:1 Meetings Module
- Navigate to My Teams > Performance > 1:1 Meetings.
- Select Direct Reports and click Schedule 1:1 Meeting.
Step 2: Schedule the Meeting
- A Schedule Meeting form will appear.
- Fill in the following details:
Participants
- Add required participants by typing their names or email addresses. Optional participants can also be included.
Title
- Provide a meaningful title, such as "Career Development Discussion."
Location
- Choose a meeting mode—In-Person, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Integration with video conferencing tools is available.
Date and Time
- Specify the meeting’s date, start time, and end time.
- Use the Check available timeslots option to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Frequency
- Indicate if the meeting is recurring (e.g., weekly, monthly) or a one-time event.
Step 3: Define the Agenda
- Select + Create New Agenda.
4. Review and customize the template, which may include agenda items such as:
-
- Reviewing current roles and responsibilities.
- Discussing career goals and growth paths.
- Identifying skills for future roles.
- Overcoming roadblocks.
- Developing an actionable career plan.
5. Click Use Template to add it to the meeting details.
Step 4: Record Notes and Action Items
- During the meeting, use the Meeting Details section to record key points, decisions, and action items.
- This ensures participants have a clear understanding of next steps. Once you fill in all the details, click on Schedule Meeting.
Tips for Effective 1:1 Meetings
- Prepare in Advance: Leverage agenda templates to structure the discussion.
- Be Clear: Communicate the purpose of the meeting beforehand.
- Follow Up: Review and track action items in subsequent meetings.
This streamlined process helps foster open communication, build stronger teams, and support career growth.