Maximizing 1:1 Meetings

Engaging in one-on-one meetings with your supervisor has significantly influenced my career progression, leading to three promotions in just two years.

Your manager plays a crucial role in shaping your career path. It is beneficial to view each 1:1 as a chance to advance your professional journey. However, many employees do not fully utilize these meetings, often spending the time discussing minor topics or, worse, venting frustrations. While this approach is not necessarily wrong, it does not contribute to career growth or provide a strategic edge.

Here’s how I ensure my 1:1 sessions are productive:

1. Take Charge of the Agenda

   Owning the agenda is vital. Before each meeting, I prepare a detailed agenda in a Google Doc, which I share with my manager. This document serves as a historical record of our discussions. While I have standard topics to discuss, feel free to create your own. The key is to be clear about what you want to achieve during the meeting. This not only enhances the productivity of the 1:1s but also demonstrates your ability to prepare and take initiative.

2. Highlight Recent Achievements

   One-on-one meetings are ideal for showcasing your accomplishments. Use this time to share impactful projects, positive feedback you’ve received, new skills you’re developing, and initiatives you’ve led. This reinforces to your manager that you are performing well, which can increase their investment in your success. Remember, your achievements contribute to their success as well.

3. Realign Priorities

   Clarity is essential in 1:1s. I often ask, "If I could accomplish just one thing next month, what should it be?" With so many tasks vying for attention, it's crucial to understand which activities are most important. This focus allows me to direct my efforts toward meaningful work while minimizing distractions from less critical tasks. Additionally, it helps me recognize what matters most to the team.

4. Request Feedback

   I once believed I was excelling, having led significant projects and meetings. However, upon soliciting feedback, I discovered that while my work was solid, I was not communicating proactively. I tended to wait for others to request updates instead of providing them regularly. This feedback, received during a 1:1, was instrumental in my career development, allowing me to adjust my approach and ultimately secure a promotion.

5. Discuss Career Aspirations

   Since managers have a profound impact on our career development, it’s crucial to communicate your professional goals. As a junior analyst, I expressed my desire to work on challenging technical projects. Fortunately, my manager connected me with a team leader needing assistance on a machine learning initiative, which allowed me to grow in an area of interest. This initiative showcased my motivation and contributed to my ascent into a leadership position.

Conclusion

When used strategically, manager 1:1s can be a powerful tool for advancing your career. They provide an opportunity to engage your manager in your professional growth and success.

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I hope these insights offer some value to you. My goal is to share my experiences and lessons learned in hopes of assisting others on their career paths.

Thank you for reading,

Anton J

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