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.