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Effective 1:1 meetings

1:1 meetings, also known as one-on-one meetings or individual meetings, are meetings between two people, typically a manager and an employee or a supervisor and a direct report. They are a way for managers to check in with their employees, provide support, discuss goals and progress, and address any concerns or issues. For managers to make 1:1 meeting effective from time perspective, the focus should be on psychological safety, benefit and effort. Here are some tips for conducting effective 1:1 meetings:

Throughout history, myths and legends have been used to teach us about important lessons and values. From tales of bravery to stories of wisdom, myths have provided us with guidance and insight into various aspects of life. One area where myths can provide valuable lessons is in the realm of leadership and communication. Specifically, many ancient myths can teach us about how to conduct effective one-on-one meetings. In this blog, we will explore some of these myths and what they can teach us about how to have successful 1:1 meetings.

The Story of Athena and Odysseus

In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, and she often provided guidance to mortal heroes. One of these heroes was Odysseus, who sought her advice before embarking on his journey home from the Trojan War. Athena and Odysseus had a series of one-on-one meetings, during which Athena provided him with valuable advice and guidance.

What we can learn: In this myth, we see the importance of having a mentor or advisor who can provide guidance and support during a journey. In a one-on-one meeting, it is important to have an open and honest dialogue, where both parties can provide feedback and advice. Additionally, it is important to have a clear agenda and goals for the meeting, in order to make the most of the time.

The Story of King Arthur and Merlin

In the legend of King Arthur, the wizard Merlin served as a wise counselor and mentor to the young king. Merlin and Arthur had many one-on-one meetings, during which Merlin provided guidance on how to rule justly and wisely.

What we can learn: In this myth, we see the importance of having a wise and experienced mentor who can provide guidance and support. In a one-on-one meeting, it is important to listen carefully to the advice of the mentor, and to ask questions in order to better understand their perspective. Additionally, it is important to show respect and gratitude for the mentor's time and wisdom.

The Story of Krishna and Arjuna

In Hindu mythology, the god Krishna served as a mentor and advisor to the warrior Arjuna. During a critical moment in the epic Mahabharata, Krishna and Arjuna had a one-on-one meeting in which Krishna provided guidance on how to fulfill his duty as a warrior.

What we can learn: In this myth, we see the importance of having a clear understanding of one's duties and responsibilities. In a one-on-one meeting, it is important to have a clear agenda and goals, and to focus on how to fulfill one's duties and responsibilities. Additionally, it is important to be open to feedback and advice, and to be willing to make difficult decisions in order to fulfill one's obligations.

Some basic guidelines for arranging 1:1 could be

    Schedule the meeting in advance and stick to the agreed upon time. Effort should be low.
    Prepare an agenda in advance to help guide the conversation and ensure that you cover all of the necessary topics. Effort should be low. Pyschological safety should be high.
    Encourage open and honest communication. This is a good opportunity for employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Pyschological safety should be high.
    Keep the meeting focused and on track. Avoid getting sidetracked or going off on tangents. Benefit is high.
    Take notes during the meeting to help you remember important points and action items. Effort is low.
    Follow up on any action items or tasks discussed during the meeting. Benefit is high.
    Make the meeting a regular occurrence. Consistency is key to maintaining an effective 1:1 meeting. Benefit is high.

In conclusion, myths and legends can provide valuable lessons on how to conduct effective one-on-one meetings. Whether it is the importance of having a mentor or advisor, the need for clear agendas and goals, or the importance of understanding one's duties and responsibilities, these stories can teach us important lessons that can be applied in our own lives and careers. By incorporating these lessons into our own one-on-one meetings, we can improve communication, build stronger relationships, and achieve our goals more effectively.

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