1on1: Our new way to connect with the team

We live in an era where technology has become one of our work tools and now even more so, due to the pandemic we are living in. As a Tech Lead or Manager of a company, it becomes more difficult to have contact with our colleagues and get to know them better. Now imagine that your team is scattered all over the world. So, what can you do to maintain a connection with them? In this case, 1on1s are our best tool.

In this article we will talk about 1on1s from several perspectives within a technology company: As a person, as a developer and, finally, as a Tech Lead or Manager.

As a Person

1on1s are regular meetings between a leader and members of his or her team, where the human aspect of the relationship between them is impacted. And in this way, it connects not only with the professional side but also with the human side of a collaborator. In these meetings, doubts and concerns about work performance, personal life and the work environment are expressed. This tool helps leaders to learn more about the events in the employee’s life, thus generating closeness, empathy, trust, security and well-being for a solid, warm, and successful work and personal relationship.

It is worth noting that when we interact in this way with our team, we create an environment of familiarity, in which everyone can feel open to talk about work-related problems or personal situations.

As a Developer

When we start in a company as collaborators, assuming the role of developer, we want to know its culture, how are the processes and get to know the people who will be around us. However, after a few months, in any company you will ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I know what I am missing to move up to the next position?
• How do I know I am doing a good job?
• How is my work being evaluated?
• What does the company expect from me?.

As a developer, even if we do our best, these questions will be hanging around in our heads until we receive an answer from someone who gives us reassurance or guidance on how to achieve our goals. In this case, your manager.

The next question would be, how can I get my questions answered and follow up on them? The answer is one-on-one (1on1) meetings.

In the 1on1 sessions, you should be as honest as possible with your manager, telling him/her how you feel and explaining everything you want to achieve. Only then will he/she be able to help you set the course and guide you to achieve it. One observation you can consider is, do not think that your leader will do the work for you. He/she will be your guide, but if you do not decide to give your best effort, you will not get the result you expect.

1on1s are essential for your evolution as a professional. They translate into a way to grow or advance in your area so that you can successfully conquer new levels as an expert. In this sense, the main idea of the 1on1 is to grow.

As a Tech Lead or Manager (Any managerial position)

The 1on1 sessions can be used to cover several situations:

• We can measure the performance of our co-workers. With this, we can know if he or she is ready for the next position.
• We help them meet both professional and personal goals.
• We keep them updated on everything that is happening in the company.
• We help in the improvement of their hard and soft skills.
• Get to know each other better and establish a relationship beyond work.
• Let them know that you have confidence in them and will always be there to help them in any way you can.

Recommendations for the 1on1

• Depending on the personality of each colleague in your work, schedule a weekly or bi-weekly meeting, considering that the limit is bi-weekly; based on experiences when we take more than 2 weeks without communicating with them, they may feel abandoned.
• Sessions should be limited to 30 minutes. This is not a rule written in stone, as problems can occur, but in case they do, it is good to try not to extend it more than 1 hour.
• You should let them know that they should not wait for the proposed 1on1 date to arrive. Sometimes there are cases that need to be dealt with immediately, so let them know that you will always be there to listen and help them.
• Keep notes and record the metrics you need to help your colleagues continue to grow.
• Finally, if you see that your company has not done this practice, we invite you to propose it to practice it. This can cause a productivity boost beyond giving a remuneration or something for free.

Remember that where you will spend more time in your life is with the people you work with. Instead of being acquaintances, try to make them your second family.