From the course: A Manager's Guide to Conducting Effective One-on-One Meetings

Unlock this course with a free trial

Join today to access over 25,300 courses taught by industry experts.

Start the conversation

Start the conversation

From the course: A Manager's Guide to Conducting Effective One-on-One Meetings

Start my 1-month free trial Buy for my team

Start the conversation

“

Do you like small talk at the beginning of your meetings or do you detest it? Whenever I ask this question in a room full of people, on average, I get about 50% of people saying they like it, and about 50% of people say that they detest it. But regardless of your preference, most of us agree that short, small talk is the common way to lead to any conversation. The reason why it's used so often is because it aims to establish a social connection. Granted, if small talk is done wrong, this can quickly have the opposite effect. Well, there's a chance that this all comes very naturally and easily to you. But if you're not one of those fortunate ones, then listen closely as I'll be sharing with you a few ideas and how to establish that social connection at the beginning of your 1-on-1 meetings so that your direct reports feel safe with and seen by you. That quality time they have with you can help build trust and connect on a human level. And these aspects are critical to your ability to…

Contents