Alastair Wallace argues that annual appraisals alone let feedback fester and memories fade. He recommends regular one-on-ones with a predictable rhythm, citing Bruce Lee: "long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity." Business coach Lauren Tickner uses daily check-ins covering the day's goal and key challenge.
How often should you meet with your team members? If the only time you really sit down with your team members one-to-one is annual appraisal time, you are definitely missing a trick. I'm still flabbergasted by how prevalent that is in big corporations. It just doesn't work. Feedback and problems will fester if they're not tackled quickly. Memories fade and diverge very quickly too, so conversations become that much much more difficult. Find a one-to-one meeting rhythm that suits you and them, and stick to it. These are important meetings, so give them the priority that they deserve. As Bruce Lee, martial artist and actor, once said, "Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity. Focused minds and work towards a date and time." How you hack this is your decision. There are many ways you can cut the pie. Some people go for the team check-in daily. Two things: a goal for today and a key challenge or question. This is popularized by Forbes number one business coach Lauren Tickner, used in many results-driven businesses that I've worked in. Lots of manufacturing environments use this kind of huddle, they call it. Some people, it's a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly scheduled check-in. So much better at keeping the ship on course throughout a busy year and makes appraisals a walk in the park. What's your rhythm, baby? And more importantly, what's the hares? If you want to know the ideal super fast agenda for productive one-to-ones, get in touch with me. DM, comment, or on the website. As always, I'm here for you.
