1:1
More effective, beneficial and efficient 1:1s with our team
👋 Hey there friends -
I’m guilty as charged.
I’ve read a few key pieces of content lately that made me grimace.
As a leader, our calendars are often not our own. We are back-to-back, double, and even triple-booked.
This often means some of our most important meetings (1:1s with our team) often get rushed, pushed, or canceled.
😬
If you’re like me - you want to make these meaningful, beneficial for all parties, and efficient.
So after this week’s content, I wanted to share what I found helpful. There are a few things in here that I’m committing to do in hopes I can do better.
In this week’s edition of Stretch Weekly -
Hear from Rob Jeppsen on why 1:1s get canceled, and how “looking forward” can make your 1:1s more effective.
And stay tuned for timely snippets this week all focused on helping us deliver a better 1:1 experience with our team.
THANKS for reading!!
-Grant
And lastly - as always, if you find this newsletter valuable- subscribe or share it with someone who might as well 👊.
STRETCH SHARES
Looking Forward in 1:1s
It’s not often, I read a LinkedIn post and feature it front and center here in the ol’ Weekly. But this one from Rob Jeppsen on how leaders can make their 1:1’s more effective hit home.
From Rob’s keyboard to our ears/eyes 👇
Too often, the 1:1 is about what happened in the past.
That's why we are comfortable with canceling with top reps...the past has been successful and we can just skip this 1:1.
It is also why reps will cancel if there isn't anything major to report...because the past has no new news.
This is a symptom of running 1:1s that could be more meaningful. More impactful.
Try this:
90% of the time in a 1:1 on the future.
Only 10% of the time in a 1:1 on the past.
Make the 1:1 about what you are GOING to do. Not what you DID. This will help you transform the 1:1 to a strategic planning session.
Pick the topic you're going to address.
Make sure it is a driver of success and growth.
Then have them bring their plan...
A plan to get this driver healthy or keep it healthy. A plan to achieve the standard they are CHASING. Then discuss the plan.
(Sometimes you'll celebrate. Sometimes you'll clarify. Sometimes you'll challenge) Usually, you'll do all 3. Then create commitments on what will happen next.
Plan. Discuss. Commit. Look forward.
If it is a 30 minute 1:1...you get 3 minutes on the past. Round it up to 5. That leaves you 25 minutes to plan what's going to happen next. Canceling 1:1s is a symptom that they aren't difference makers.
Look forward. Add insight to the plans. Teach your team what a great plan is.
And make sure every 1:1 ends with commitments about who will do what by when. Don't just end with conversations. End with commitments. The 1:1 is your way of creating "I get you" moments.
And those will transform your team.
STRETCH SNIPPETS
🧵 Really enjoyed this thread from Dave Kline with what he says most people get wrong about managing up (and 6 simple tips to help you stand out). PLUS - download his free 1:1 Template!!!
👉 I thought I was decent at my 1:1 cadence and strategy until I read Chris Orlob’s Ultimate Guide to 1:1s for Sales Leaders who manage AEs. Too good not to share, and too good not to implement.
💥 Loved this concise, yet impactful 1:1 sales coaching template from the folks at Gong. See what you’re missing and/or where you can improve.
🧠 Mindset
Thanks for reading!
My hope is if you find this valuable, consider sharing it with friends (or signing up if you haven’t already).
— Grant 👋
About stretch vp: confessions, learnings, and insights from sales leaders in SaaS
Compiled and aggregated from a network of sales leaders in SaaS, Stretch VP showcases learnings, insights, and experiences as well as best practices to overcome common hurdles, obstacles, and setbacks in your quest for excellence as a sales leader in SaaS.
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