The current environment has forced businesses to adapt to a new workflow. It is becoming increasingly critical for everyone to know how to run an efficient one on one meeting in a remote manner. The companies that are best able to adapt to these changing times will place themselves in a position to succeed. When it comes to managing remote employees, holding a remote one-on-one meeting can provide numerous benefits to your employees as well as your managers.
Challenges of Managing Remote Employees
First, there are a few challenges of managing remote employees that businesses need to note. Remote employees often feel more out of the loop than their counterparts who can work in person. For this reason, all office managers need to think about how to lead remote teams effectively.
When it comes to managing remote teams, it is a good idea to provide employees plenty of chances to ask clarifying questions. What may seem apparent to someone who can go to work in the office might not be evident for someone who isn’t there regularly. One of the most important managing remote teams best practices to keep in mind is to provide remote employees with plenty of company news, updates, and decisions to feel like they are in the loop.
While this is harder when there are so many remote employees, there are certainly ways to make this successful. All businesses need to spend some time documenting decisions and sharing resources with everyone. This will make sure that the entire company is headed in the right direction.
Virtual One on One Meetings
When thinking about how to conduct a one on one meeting, it is important to note that this will be very different compared to in-person meetings. Remote 1-on-1s should be held using video conferencing technology when possible.
This is far superior to phone calls. Remote one-on-one meetings need to use video conferencing technology because this will allow companies and business leaders to make a more human connection. Seeing the other person paying attention during remote one-on-ones is going to make a difference. Furthermore, during virtual one to ones, there is a chance to give non-verbal feedback. While this might sound like a small benefit, seeing someone provide his or her undivided attention and communicate agreement through a simple nod of the head can make a massive difference during virtual one on one meetings.
While virtual one-on-one meetings have come a long way, everyone is still at the internet’s mercy. There might be disruptions that take place. While businesses need to make sure that they do everything in their power to minimize these disruptions, organizations need to try to remain as flexible as possible. Managers need to be willing to take more time or reschedule the meeting if something comes up.
How To Conduct a Remote One-on-One Meeting
One of the most critical factors that all business leaders need to consider involves conducting a one on one meeting. While this is a key top covered in managing remote teams training, there are a few key points to note. These include:
- Start the meeting with a few personal updates. This should be covered in a managing remote teams training course; however, develop a human connection with the person on the other end of the camera. Let him or her know that the company cares about his or her quality of life.
- Next, go into project updates and coaching. Ask the employee what he or she has been working on. Is there an area where he or she is stuck? What gets the employee excited? Is there anything that he or she feels like should change? When it comes to one-on-one meetings and managing remote teams with technology, this should be a bulk of the meeting.
- Finally, fill in any gaps that might need to be addressed. Ask him or her if there are any lingering questions. Fill in the employee with any announcements from the company. Ask if he or she needs help with a specific area. This is a great way to close the meeting.
Agenda for a Remote One-on-One
Personal Updates
- What have you been up to outside of work?
Project Updates and Coaching
- What are you working on?
- Where are you energized?
- Where are you stuck?
- What do you think needs to happen/change?
Fill in the Gaps
- What questions did you have about the last team meeting?
- Can I fill in any context regarding a recent decision or announcement?
- How can I support you this week?
In the end, remote one-on-one meetings are an essential part of managing remote workers toolkits. This entire meeting should take about 45 minutes. It will make the employee feel like they are still a part of the company even if they are not at the office every day. All managers must know how to run remote one-on-one meetings in today’s environment.
