Developing Up

The Importance of one-on-ones

Episode Summary

This episode we talk about the importance of regular one-on-one meetings for both developers and managers. Show notes can be found at http://www.developingup.com/8

Episode Notes

Great developers need great support, feedback and communication. In today's episode we talk about the importance of regular one-on-one meetings for both developers and managers. We discuss how managers can establish and maintain successful one-on-one meetings. We then discuss how as a developer you can take ownership of and benefit from these meetings.

Three reasons for holding one-on-one meetings:

• To promote open communication
• To give and get feedback
• To establish a support system

One-on-ones for Managers:

• Keep frequency regular
• Never cancel a one-on-one, unless you or developer is out
• Ask questions and let the developer lead the conversation

One-on-ones for developers:

• Come prepared with talking points that are important to you
• Use the time to share feedback, ideas and frustrations
• Lead the conversation, the meeting is for you

Notes from the Episode:

• Help them Grow or Watch them Go by Beverly Kaye and Julie Winkle Giulioni
• Managing Humans by Michael Lopp
• Notes to a software team lead by Roy Osherove

Listener Challenges:

• Managers: Embrace the silence and allow the direct report to lead the meeting
• Developers: Think about and plan ahead for your next one-on-one bring a running list of items to talk about

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• The Four Attributes of a Great Development Team