Nothing To Talk About In One on Ones
management, software development
I’m into the second week of holding half hour one-on-one sessions with all of my folks. Today is my big day on Wednesday afternoon where I actually hold six one-on-ones from 1:00-4:00. At least half of the one-on-ones today began with the statement:
“Hmm, I really don’t have anything to talk about this time, so I don’t know what we’re going to talk about for half an hour.”
Every one of those one-on-one sessions today went the full 30 minutes and a few I had to cut off to make time for the next session. I distinctly remember this because my bladder was letting me know it could use a little restroom break, but from 1-4 today it was wall to wall one-on-ones.
This week felt a bit more laid back. People are starting to get adjusted to the style and I’m probably a bit more relaxed. So I’m beginning to see why I should have started these a long time ago.
Technorati Tags:
management, software development
Ed Gibbs @ February 15, 2006
What a great and informative website.
I first heard about manager-tools from your website, and have just this week started one-on-ones. The first was longer (as expected), but very worthwhile.
Cheers Ed.
Jason
Thanks for the positive feedback, and I’m glad I could point someone else to Manager Tools. I’m still amazed how detail oriented all of their advice and stories are.
Great stuff Ed,
I’m glad you’re trying one-on-ones. I always mean to but… you know how it goes… I’m very curious to hear how things turn out for you. I need to commit to doing these myself.
– Victor
I need to follow up with how they’re going. Today coming out of a one-on-one I got commitments from three developers to start up a patterns study group. This probably would have just stayed an idea without the one-on-ones in place.