What are some common mistakes managers make during one-on-one meetings? - Comparably | Comparably

What are some common mistakes managers make during one-on-one meetings?

Leadership

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45 Answers

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    They don't stay focused on you.

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    Closing the door, discussing things other than the purpose of the meeting that do not pertain to work.

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    Defend other coworkers lousy work.

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    They lie on your progress when in public

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    They can let their personal beliefs cloud their judgment.

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    Broad generalization

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    not listening to their subordinates' comments/saying instructions too fast

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    over-familiarity in language style / presentation; other conversation elements that border on actionable or offensive.

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    Distracted by a previous meeting or has to rush the one-on-one due to outside distractions.

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    Bullying.

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    Not really say what they mean or no clear cut expectations of your exact job. That way when they decide to they can use it against you. Try to play both sides and pin employees against each other.

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    Being a one-sided ignorant talker

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    Not getting right to the point. Trying to keep everything politically correct. Avoiding anything that may hurt your feelings.

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    Distraction from essential discussion topics; personalising

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    Using it to check in on the status of work or share info from management instead of letting the employee drive it with their own concerns

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    Talking about themselves. Being late or canceling.

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    Not enough recognition or positivity. Not giving enough thought into feedback. Not giving the employee enough time to discuss concerns or ideas.

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    Some times they can't see the efforts that each employee makes to get better and deliver value for the team.

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    Not knowing your employees name or what they do for you. Sounds funny but true. That's just to start.

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    Not having a witness

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    They make you feel unwanted and demotivated

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    They act as they always have right ! They do not listen...

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    Lack of focus Lack of explanation Lack of hearing

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    They talk too much and don't listen.

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    They can't draw the line between being professional and being human

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    No agenda!! I want to know how I am progressing on a week to week basis against my goal. I dont care to talk about "how things are going"

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    None. Either they have some topics to discuss or they are happy with you and have nothing to discuss. This is an efficient use of time. No point in discussing nothing.

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    Not being honest

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    Not bringing up performance issues with employees. Not praising the employee when warranted. Not asking the employee if there are certain areas or processes that could use improvement.

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    Oneliners.

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    Saying things they should not, repeating rumors, blaming others for their issues, treating one employee completely different & having a different set of rules & expectations for different employees. Threatening openly or implying threats, calling other employees tattletales, saying other employees are "telling," on or attacking based on hearsay. Shouldn't repeatedly say "you should quit if you don't like it," if you don't like them or their work fire them, but don't threaten & attack to try to make them quit.

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    Read email or take phone calls.

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    1:1s should be used to coach the individual and listen to their needs. Don't turn them into a status update.

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    Ask personal questions.

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    Not really listening.

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    Lack of integrity and feedback that can lead to positive correction

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    Lack of authenticity or genuineness. You cannot be all productivity and no humanity and expect a devoted and focused team.

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    Arriving to the meeting late or cancelling it way too often

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    Do not provide constructive or data driven feedback

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    Not showing up for one-on-one meetings.

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    condescending & autocratic attitudes demotivate people.....mgrs often do not listen to associate feedback attentively! Mgrs often have all the answers already but like to check the box of one on ones were held!

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    Talking to much/to little. Or showing emotion

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    Focusing too much on the negative.

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    Lack of clarity.

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    Attempting to be too social, hip, or buddy-buddy with employees. Failing to remember they are also employees aka co-workers. And lastly, not sticking to an itinerary - it's ok to have overtime in these meetings but sometimes they should be broken out into sessions to not muddle the waters.