ALM #054: 5 Key Questions to Nail for an Effective 1:1
Break down barriers and build trust from the first 1:1.
📖 Read Time: 2:30 minutes
The first 1:1 with someone you have never met is always challenging. And to be honest, it gets awkward very fast.
You're face to face with a perfect stranger. But this stranger already has a pre-constructed idea of how your relationship will go, high expectations from you and how you can impact their career.
Initially, there is little connection and no trust—only the hope of a bright future.
This week I want to help you in this journey with 5 of the most impactful questions you can ask in your first 1:1. Your long-lasting connection begins here.
Let's start.
What type of work motivates you?
How great would it be if everyone in your team would be highly motivated?
Someone with a strong sense of belonging, truly happy about their work and with a tremendous drive.
And remember that this level of engagement is contagious!
So take this opportunity to understand how to guide your team to high motivation levels.
Remember that you can show them the way, but they must go through the path.
What would you change about the team, process, and projects?
If you're arriving to an existing team, accept that a lot of history will influence the course of your next weeks and months.
This first 1:1 moment is decisive in your career as that team's Engineering Manager.
Use it to learn where each team member stands regarding the state of the team, how the team works and the projects it is doing.
Remind yourself often to take this information with a grain of salt and as data that will help you understand the team's state.
How do you prefer your feedback?
Feedback can be a tricky thing.
You might read some books that you should give feedback fast. Or that you should praise in public.
You'll quickly notice that you'll have some unpleasant surprises if you follow these two practices.
Different people react differently to the same strategies.
Ask them how they want to receive their feedback so you adjust your practices.
Remember, you will have different strategies depending on who you're talking to.
What do you expect from me?
Missed expectations destroy most relationships.
Being this day one of your new relationships, start on the right foot.
Ask them clearly what they expect from you.
Remember a vital thing: As their manager, one of your responsibilities is to help them grow.
Understand clearly how you can help them.
How often do you want to meet?
A meaningful question is hidden behind a simple and innocent format.
This is where you will understand the amount of space this person needs and how many check-ins you need to do.
This is where you go from a manager respecting a person's boundaries to a micro-manager or ghost manager.
Listen to them, and always remember that different people have different requirements.
Be flexible.
In Summary
This is it. An unrepeatable moment where first impressions matter.
The first connection you make with a new team member.
Remember to ask these impactful questions.
What type of work motivates you?
How do you prefer your feedback?
What would you change about the team, process, and projects?
What do you expect from me?
How often do you want to meet?
Oh, and an important thing! Take notes!!!
How? That is for another issue 🙂
See you next week!
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Have an incredible week! 💪🏼
Parada 👊🏼 A Leader's Mindset