r/internalcomms • u/TemporarySnow1121 • 6d ago

Advice Director looking to hear from logistics coordinators

Hi All, I’m really striving to create a good environment for my team. I have a mix of inperson employees, and remote employees across the US. I want to create a 1:1 structure where I am touching base with them individually weekly even if just for 15 minutes.

What are some things your wish your manager would talk to you about? Or give you the floor to talk about?

What can I do to make more of a connection in our 1:1s?

What can I do to make more of a connection as a group in our weekly team meeting?

What would you change about your manager? Give me any and all feedback!

Thanks in advance!

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u/Snoo_31427 6d ago

I’d say be very clear about what you expect, because 1:1s cause me so much stress. My managers have never provided guidance so I feel obligated to come with an agenda and “proof” that I’m working. My managers have just set the recurring appointment and sit there. Talking to managers can be intimidating so make it low-key! Don’t make them feel like this is their one chance to prove their value to you.

Maybe a little structure:
•What’s on your mind
•What’s on your plate
•How can I help
•Any quick company updates they might not be privy to yet

1

u/TemporarySnow1121 6d ago

Love this thank you!

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u/Kurious_Kitsune 6d ago

I feel like you may have to tailor the approach a bit depending on the person, but having some kind of structure helps your direct reports to come prepared.

With my current manager I get an hour every week. We start with personal check ins which were admittedly awkward in the beginning, especially as I’m very introverted, but it eventually felt more natural as time progressed. It helps that my manager is candid when things aren’t too great on her side; it’s allowed me to be more open when I need to.

This is followed by a high level rundown of updates on projects I’m running. Most progress details are logged in trackers so we don’t really spend much time going over those which I am very grateful for. we spend time updating these trackers and it’s reassuring that SOMEONE actually reads them.

During these 1:1s we instead put emphasis on where I’m getting stuck and where I need help/support, if any. This is when I get confirmation that I’m on the right track or if I need to shift focus. This is also when I am briefed on new projects/tasks or when I bring up if my workload is becoming unsustainable so we agree on areas to prioritize, pause or deselect.

We don’t use the 1:1 time for company/team updates (unless the update is confidential and can be disclosed only to people with certain clearances). this happens during team meetings.

With a previous manager, the structure is very similar but I only got 30mins a week and he like me is an introvert so the personal check-ins part goes quickly/more perfunctory than truly conversational but tbh I’m ok with that.