Unlocking Growth: How Systems Can Transform Your 1:1's

For years, I dreaded 1:1's. It was like a dental visit 😬 – not the highlight of my day. It had nothing to do with my leader but everything to do with my reluctance to be transparent and learning to give timely feedback.

I used to wish I could skip those meetings and dive headfirst into talking through operational tasks. But you know what they say? Great leaders challenge you to grow, even when it's uncomfortable.

As a leader, it is crucial to understand your team members' challenges and motivations and how to guide them toward success. It's like parenting – some strategies apply universally, while others demand a personalized approach to unlock each individual's full potential.

Implementing systems can be a game-changer, helping you meet your team members where they are and catapulting them toward growth. For me, this translated into embracing a non-negotiable weekly 1:1 (no cancellations allowed! 😒) and adopting a specific format. We crafted a structure that pushed me to be more transparent and provide timely feedback, empowering my leader to coach me effectively.

Surprisingly, those 1:1's evolved into my favorite meetings with my leader (I'm pretty sure he sometimes wished I would have talked less 🤣). So much of my personal growth came in those meetings where he challenged and encouraged me to be the best version of myself at work and home. Later, as a leader myself, I cherished the value of 1:1s and those moments developing my team members. Genuine care, encouragement, and coaching – free from distractions.

The lessons here are simple –
Leaders, meet your team members where they are. Developing people is challenging, so lean in and be intentional. You might not control the outcome, but I promise you, it's worth every effort.

To my fellow team members, trust the process and lean in. Your growth journey is a collaboration between you and your leaders. Embrace it.

What systems do you need to develop for personal growth or to lead your team to be their best?

Be sure to check out other 1:1 articles with tips for leading impactful 1:1's and the key to team members successful 1:1's.