Four reasons to make time for one-on-one meetings with subordinates even in a packed schedule

Managers are often extremely busy people. They have many responsibilities and have to respond to numerous inquiries. So it is no surprise that the core tasks of management, such as motivating team members, sometimes receive less attention. But this is a serious mistake. Here are four reasons why even the busiest leaders should always make time for individual meetings with their team members.

Illustration

Reason one: Improved mutual trust

As stated by ICMI.com, you can only lead subordinates effectively when there exists a warm relationship based on mutual trust. Such trust cannot be built without direct contact. One-on-one meetings and private conversations form the foundation for any further work with an employee.

Reason two: Prevention of problems

Many concerns, objections or observations remain unspoken until the employee has a private conversation with their supervisor. By holding regular one-on-one meetings, you can address problems early and often discover valuable ideas that might not otherwise reach you.

Reason three: Employee development and education

A key responsibility of any supervisor is to ensure employees grow and receive support for further education and progress. This, however, is not possible if you don't know the employee’s priorities, aspirations and capacities. And that is something you can only learn in an individual meeting.

Reason four: Improved team atmosphere

If, metaphorically speaking, you as a manager remain isolated in your ivory tower and do not come down among your subordinates to show interest in what they are dealing with and thinking about, it will worsen the overall team atmosphere. If you wish to build a friendly, productive and open company culture in your workplace, you need to engage in regular conversations with your team.

 

-mm-

Article source International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) - website for customer management professionals
Read more articles from International Customer Management Institute (ICMI)