Raise the bar

How managers can elevate their workers to new heights

Management by wandering around—or MBWA—is beneficial to businesses and to the workforce, as impromptu conversations can lead to problem-solving and improved relationships with employees. But if you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, where you can elevate your workers’ productivity and their workplace satisfaction, consider the power of regularly scheduled one-on-one professional development meetings.

Whether you’re a new or experienced manager, the following guidelines can help you conduct robust one-on-one sessions that will make a difference in your work environment.

Be positive, be present
Your energy waxes and wanes throughout the day, so give your employee the best you have to offer. Schedule your one-on-ones when you’re most likely to have plenty of energy, and bring your enthusiasm and positivity. More importantly, bring yourself. Turn off your cellphone, close your laptop and let others know you’re unavailable. Start by connecting on a personal level before asking what’s on the employee’s mind as a transition to business issues.

Guide more than instruct
This is a tough one. You’re a manager—it’s your job to manage. But unless a situation is urgent or too consequential, encourage your employee to do their own problemsolving. Ask questions like: What else could you do? Have you faced a similar situation? What did you do? What worked, and what didn’t? Try to lead them to answers. If you need more ideas, ask: What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?

Develop a continuum
One-on-ones are a great way for you and your employee to step outside everyday demands and gain perspective. Carry that perspective forward by asking for a summation of the challenges, victories and lessons learned since you last met. Create an emotionally safe space where your employee can authentically share their work experiences and grow.

Over time, you can build their confidence by highlighting their sound decisions and their expanding skills, knowledge and abilities. As you do so, be sure to manage your own impulse to interrupt, explain or defend against any negative comments.

Regularly scheduled one-on-ones will boost productivity and positivity in the workplace. Give it a try!

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