People-focused, not operationally-focused.
Wellness
- Are you safe and well?
- You need not disclose personal information
- I am here to listen, especially if work is impacting your well-being
- Do you feel physically and psychologically safe?
- You will not be humiliated, ignored, blamed or punished for asking questions
- Is your work/life balance compatible with your mental health?
Readiness
- Are you set up to succeed?
- Do you have what you need to meet your goals?
- Do you have a clear understanding of what those are?
- What resources* might I provide that could help you be successful?
- Material, organizational, or even just help and advice
Obstacles
- What is standing in your way?
- How can I help identify and clear obstacles to your progress?
- Let us talk about anything that is slowing you down
- Let us talk about anything that could speed you up
Recognition
- Since we last met, what did you accomplish that you feel good about?
- No achievement is too small
- Let us mark down every win as we go, while they are fresh
Feedback
- How I am doing as your manager?
- I will regularly share my feedback with you
- Let us break the ancient tradition of saving up a year of feedback to drop in a single psychologically devastating bomb, often timed thoughtfully to coincide with the holiday season.
Credit: Matthew Rechs