Greg's Right Fit Newsletter - #61

Techniques for FIT

• You're going to need the data someday, so collect today in a way that can be used tomorrow.
• Fro instance, txt files haven't changed since, um, forever and can be read by anything.
• Use a third party source to verify data input when possible, invest in automation.
• Take a moment to note data fields to standardize as you bump into them. Pass the info along and schedule a follow up to check in.

Being Human - One on ones

Why am I here?

The most powerful tool in your management toolbox is the one-on-one meeting. Just you, your direct report, and twenty minutes of uninterrupted time focused on a single point of performance. A critical conversation.

So why aren't one-on-one meetings more common?

Too busy? Too many direct reports? Too much information to cover? Already having a staff meeting? Too many meetings as it is? You see them every day?

Those are all excuses. The real reasons focused one-on-ones don't happen are deeper and more human. From the perspective of your direct report, if you call a one-on-one meeting with them today, they will be concerned. If you schedule a one-on-one for a week from now, they'll worry themselves sick. This is especially true if you tell them the meeting is to offer performance feedback. From the manager's perspective, one-on-ones historically deteriorate into carp and grumble sessions that go well over twenty minutes. Who needs that?

The meetings get pushed off and ignored. Unfortunately, one-on-ones are like sleep and once you've missed an opportunity to coach, you can't get it back. Semi-annual or annual reviews take their place, and the pace of your people's personal growth slows. 

Here's my advice. Write this on a card and leave it on your desk.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Get ahead of the problem by learning a few strategies and tactics behind effective one-on-ones.

If you need help, give me a call. I have a process that will help. 

Random Stuff

Seeing the future

I went to a tech event this week. I walked into TD Ameritrade Ballpark's clubhouse level and approached the check in. A small table with two tablet computers, brochures and a hip young man standing behind it. I found my reservation on the iPad and a name tag prints from the label maker behind the machine.

Very sleek. Very high tech. 

I smile, make some joke about finding a seat, and go to slap my sticker on my chest. That's when I notice it. 



Does Tableau know something I don't?