Episode 246: Four Strategies for Conducing Meaningful One-on-One Conversations as Managers

In this episode, we highlight the importance managers engaging in meaningful conversations and fostering healthy relationships in the workplace. Drawing from insights and research, we explore how managers can improve engagement and foster healthier connections with their teams. We also discuss the value of silence and reflection during one-on-one conversations, recognizing them as essential components for meaningful dialogue.

Additionally, we introduce the Healthy Relationship Partnership Agreement Tool, a practical resource designed to establish a solid foundation for healthy relationships in the workplace.

CLICK HERE to download the Healthy Relationship Partnership Agreement Tool.

Join us as we delve deeper into strategies for enhancing meaningful conversations and relationships in the workplace.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

3:33 - Discussion on the importance of meaningful feedback and conversation for engagement.

4:05 - Only 16% of employees reported their last conversation with their manager as extremely meaningful.

4:45 - Characteristics of meaningful conversation: recognition, collaboration, discussing goals, conversation length, and focusing on employee strengths.

5:56 - Managers might focus more on problem-solving than on building relationships due to the nature of their role.

6:02 – How managers may struggle with engaging in meaningful conversations and maintaining healthy relationships due to competing priorities and a lack of guidance.

7:33 - Discussion on guiding principles for meaningful conversations and healthy relationships.

08:22 - Identify and balance leading and managing roles in one-on-ones with direct reports.

10:41 - Manager prioritizing psychological safety, accountability, and transformational growth in one-on-ones.

13:12 - Emphasizing intention, shared purpose, mutual responsibility, recognizing human capacity, and building trust.

16:03 - Developing self-awareness and trustworthiness is key to meaningful conversations and strong relationships with direct reports.

18:20 - Principles of meaningful dialogue: setting intention, psychological safety, active listening, advocacy, inquiry, candor, diplomacy, and inviting silence and reflection.

21:03 - Inviting candor and diplomacy, knowing preference polls, and inviting silence and reflections can improve one-on-one conversations.

23:00 - Encouraging silence and reflection during conversations.

23:41 - Importance of taking time to reflect and absorb during conversations instead of immediate reactions.

25:36 - Introducing the Healthy Relationship Partnership Agreement tool to facilitate healthy relationships and meaningful conversations.

26:00 - Explaining the purpose and benefits of the Partnership Agreement in fostering understanding, expectations, and communication in relationships.

28:53 - Discussion on the significance of personal reflection before engaging in the Partnership Agreement.

29:53 - Emphasizing the role of the Partnership Agreement as a guideline and structure for relationships.

31:07 - Reflecting on the use of the Partnership Agreement with a group of managers.

33:13 - Importance of introducing the Partnership Agreement with intention and sincerity.

33:45 – How one-on-ones with managers are crucial for successful leadership communication.

34:32 - Encouragement to use the Partnership Agreement tool provided and share feedback.

Tune in for insightful strategies on enhancing team engagement and fostering meaningful conversations in the workplace. Dive into the discussion here or catch it here to watch on the MissingLogic LLC YouTube channel to find out why.

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

We would love to have you contribute to this podcast by submitting a question that we can feature in a future episode. All you must do is email your question to questions@missinglogic.com.