Conversation Guide Archives

LATEST EPISODE

4 tips for adjusting to work in a COVID world

The remote work culture that has mushroomed during COVID-19 has raised the stress levels of almost everyone. In this episode, Chris lays out 4 tips to help make work life manageable in what feels like an unmanageable world.

November 17, 2020
| 10 min

What to do if you’re unhappy with your 1:1 meetings

Who owns our 1:1? What makes the time valuable for the manager, or the team member? In this short podcast, Michael goes solo and gives a few tips on how to improve the quality of 1:1s for both people in the meeting.

September 18, 2020
| 11 min

Do more than read the words in your 1-1. Look for the meaning.

All too often managers and team members want to “get through” their 1:1s, and they simply read what’s been written by the team member. Chris shares how what’s REALLY important is trying to understand the meaning behind the words, and then applying insight and asking great questions when you meet together.

August 15, 2020
| 20 min

How your 1:1s can rebuild the trust you lost

Trust is crucial to building a great team, but it’s much harder to rebuild trust once it’s been lost. In this episode, Chris shares some of his own difficult experiences, and points out some ideas managers can use to get their team back to enjoying a healthy environment.

July 16, 2020
| 18 min

In defense of meaningful performance reviews. (Hint: It takes some work.)

All too often performance reviews are done because it’s corporate policy, not because they are helpful. Michael and Chris discuss why a meaningful performance review are can be a powerful tool for both managers and team members, and how we can think creatively to turn a review on its head.

July 6, 2020
| 40 min

Remote work and the perception of productivity

Do you know if you’re being productive? And why do many of us feel less productive when working remotely? In this episode, Michael and Chris talk with Uptick Solutions Engineer Joel Slotman about how 1:1s helped sort it all out.

June 8, 2020
| 31 min

How to save your 1:1s from being status updates

When 1:1s devolve into a meeting of status updates easily handled in an email, it’s time for a change. In this shorter episode, Michael and Chris talk about how to save your 1:1s from the update rut.

May 26, 2020
| 19 min