The First Question In Your One on One
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This cast describes how to start every One on One.
One of the most important lessons for experienced users of the One on One Manager Tool is the value of continuity over instances. One on ones are in a sense like feedback in that no single instance of either is important. It's the commitment and I-can-count-on-my-boss-interacting-with-me-this-way repetition that deliver a major part of the value of these Manager Tools.
Now, look, you can't create continuity while ignoring instances. In order to be admired for one's constancy, one has to repeatedly do things, for a while. But a lot of managers are looking for the silver bullet, the ONE THING, the great idea, that makes management easy. If we had to pick one, it really would be one on ones…but it's not the 30 minute INSTANCE of a one on one that matters…it's the constancy. Constancy is the complement of all other virtues, as the saying goes. Hey, we admit it – one on ones are the slowest moving silver bullet ever invented.
So, what are some of the behaviors we can engage in in each INSTANCE of our one on ones that increase the value of our CONSTANCY? The first is our first question.
- Ask The Same First Question EVERY Time
- Write Down The Answer EVERY Time
- Some Recommended First Questions




Tip
I use the question:
"How ye been?"
I write this question in the space right next to the direct's section, so I ensure everytime to use the same words. First few weeks, this helped. Now it is automatically coming out of my mouth.
First Q and DiSC
Trying to link these themes it seems better that we should have a the same Question for each person, but that within a team it's better to have several different questions.
By that I mean, a High C won't like, "How are you doing", but might like "What are your thoughts on the last week?".
Do you agree this would be a good approach?