How to get the most out of your catch-up with your manager

If you work in a busy communications team, it can feel like you hardly get any time to meet with your manager.

You’re likely to have half an hour once a fortnight, which might not seem like much, but it is possible to use this time wisely to get what you need out of it.

Don’t just use it to go through your ‘to do’ list

Using your one-on-one time to run through a list of everything you’re working on won’t be very productive. Your manager won’t be adding much value, and they’re unlikely to remember everything you raise.

Instead, break the time up into items you’d like them to be aware of and things you’d like their input on.

Try also to allocate time to discuss long-term goals. These should be something you have decided on together. Try to touch on how you are progressing towards them so your manager can see your excellent work.

Remember what you want to talk about

Things will likely come up outside of your one-on-one that you’d like to discuss with your manager, but then you forget about them by the time it comes around.

Set up a document on your desktop to easily note what has come to mind. When it’s time for your regular catch-up, you’ll have a list of items you’d like to discuss ready to go.

Bring solutions, not just problems

It’s not your manager’s job to solve every challenge that comes your way. However, you will sometimes need their input.

When you have a problem that you’d like to discuss with them, also bring a suggested solution. Even if it’s not the eventual approach you and your manager decide on, they will appreciate that you’ve given it some thought.

It will also demonstrate to them that you are a problem solver.

Please note how they address the challenges you bring them so you can incorporate this into your thinking moving forward.

Be organised

If you want to get the most out of your catch-up, don’t prepare for it 5 minutes before the meeting. Make an effort to have your agenda ready to go the day before.

You should review it before the meeting, so you’re ready to go!