You’re no stranger to the power of a good conversation, if you work in the worlds of internal communications or marketing.
But when it comes to one-on-one meetings with team members, it’s not just about talking shop. It’s an opportunity to blend your comms savvy with genuine human connection, creating a space where creativity thrives and team members feel valued.
Here are five tips to transform your 1:1 meetings into supercharged sessions of productivity and support.
1) Set a clear agenda with a communications twist
Just like a successful communications or marketing campaign, a great meeting starts with a clear agenda. Before your 1:1, outline key points you want to discuss or a list of questions you ask each time.
Key points can include: general well-being, upcoming goals and any concerns. Questions you could ask include:
- What are some recent wins that you’re proud of?
- How can I support you this month?
- What are your priorities this week/month?
Having a standard agenda or list of questions helps set expectations —and lets team members know the check-in is part of an established process.
And the pro twist? Make your meetings as engaging as they are informative by adding a creative icebreaker. For example, you could ask a question related to current marketing trends or pop culture.
2) Use active listening: It’s market research for team dynamics
In the work you produce, understanding your audience is crucial. Apply this to your meetings by practicing active listening.
Encourage team members to share their thoughts and feelings – not just about work but also their personal well-being. This approach can unearth valuable insights about team morale, similar to how market research informs campaign strategies.
Bonus: It can also help you spot early signs of burnout. Once you see it, battle the burn with these tips.
3) Personalize the experience
Just as you segment audiences for targeted marketing, tailor your approach to each team member.
Some may need more encouragement to open up, while others might favor a straightforward, data-driven discussion. Get a feel for their preferred style, or send out a simple survey so they can tell you exactly how they’d like to meet.
Personalizing the experience shows your team that you value their individuality and care for them as a person — not as just a cog in the machine.
4) Discuss growth and learning opportunities
A key aspect of your comms or marketing job is staying ahead of the curve, continually learning and evolving.
Bring this mindset to your meetings by discussing opportunities for professional growth instead of just current projects. (Sure, you can check in on the big picture, but let’s not get in the weeds. Remember, these meetings are about the people.)
Professional growth opportunities could include workshops, online courses or cross-departmental collaborations.
Just like the ever-evolving nature of the comms and marketing fields, there are options for any area of expertise or interest.
5) Follow up with actionable steps
End each meeting with a communicator’s eye for action. Outline clear, achievable steps for any issues discussed and set deadlines where appropriate.
For example, since you’re centering the person and their development, you could encourage them to set a one-month goal of their choosing. Then, plan to follow up at your next meeting and discuss how it went.
Just like marketing campaigns focus on actionable outcomes, keep the momentum going by summarizing next steps in an email or chat.
This ensures both you and your team member are on the same page. Plus, it will give you a starting point when preparing for next month’s meeting.
Put it into practice
By leveraging your communications skills in 1:1 meetings, you’re not just checking in on projects and performance. You’re building a team culture that values creativity, personal growth and open communication.
These meetings will become more than just a regular catch-up; they will be a powerful tool for team engagement and productivity.
You’re no stranger to the power of a good conversation, if you work in the worlds of internal communications or marketing.
But when it comes to one-on-one meetings with team members, it’s not just about talking shop. It’s an opportunity to blend your comms savvy with genuine human connection, creating a space where creativity thrives and team members feel valued.
Here are five tips to transform your 1:1 meetings into supercharged sessions of productivity and support.
1) Set a clear agenda with a communications twist
Just like a successful communications or marketing campaign, a great meeting starts with a clear agenda. Before your 1:1, outline key points you want to discuss or a list of questions you ask each time.
Key points can include: general well-being, upcoming goals and any concerns. Questions you could ask include:
- What are some recent wins that you’re proud of?
- How can I support you this month?
- What are your priorities this week/month?
Having a standard agenda or list of questions helps set expectations —and lets team members know the check-in is part of an established process.
And the pro twist? Make your meetings as engaging as they are informative by adding a creative icebreaker. For example, you could ask a question related to current marketing trends or pop culture.
2) Use active listening: It’s market research for team dynamics
In the work you produce, understanding your audience is crucial. Apply this to your meetings by practicing active listening.
Encourage team members to share their thoughts and feelings – not just about work but also their personal well-being. This approach can unearth valuable insights about team morale, similar to how market research informs campaign strategies.
Bonus: It can also help you spot early signs of burnout. Once you see it, battle the burn with these tips.
3) Personalize the experience
Just as you segment audiences for targeted marketing, tailor your approach to each team member.
Some may need more encouragement to open up, while others might favor a straightforward, data-driven discussion. Get a feel for their preferred style, or send out a simple survey so they can tell you exactly how they’d like to meet.
Personalizing the experience shows your team that you value their individuality and care for them as a person — not as just a cog in the machine.
4) Discuss growth and learning opportunities
A key aspect of your comms or marketing job is staying ahead of the curve, continually learning and evolving.
Bring this mindset to your meetings by discussing opportunities for professional growth instead of just current projects. (Sure, you can check in on the big picture, but let’s not get in the weeds. Remember, these meetings are about the people.)
Professional growth opportunities could include workshops, online courses or cross-departmental collaborations.
Just like the ever-evolving nature of the comms and marketing fields, there are options for any area of expertise or interest.
5) Follow up with actionable steps
End each meeting with a communicator’s eye for action. Outline clear, achievable steps for any issues discussed and set deadlines where appropriate.
For example, since you’re centering the person and their development, you could encourage them to set a one-month goal of their choosing. Then, plan to follow up at your next meeting and discuss how it went.
Just like marketing campaigns focus on actionable outcomes, keep the momentum going by summarizing next steps in an email or chat.
This ensures both you and your team member are on the same page. Plus, it will give you a starting point when preparing for next month’s meeting.
Put it into practice
By leveraging your communications skills in 1:1 meetings, you’re not just checking in on projects and performance. You’re building a team culture that values creativity, personal growth and open communication.
These meetings will become more than just a regular catch-up; they will be a powerful tool for team engagement and productivity.
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