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Reading Glad We Met takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.

Who is the author of Glad We Met?

Steven G. Rogelberg is the author of Glad We Met.

Management & Leadership

Glad We Met Book Summary - Glad We Met Book explained in key points

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Glad We Met summary

Name: Glad We Met
Rating: 3.6 (27 reviews)
Author: Steven G. Rogelberg

Steven G. Rogelberg

The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings

3.6 (27 ratings)

18 mins

Brief summary

Glad We Met by Steven G. Rogelberg offers guidance on mastering the art of productive and engaging meetings, providing effective strategies to transform them into valuable opportunities for collaboration and decision-making.

Topics

Career Progress Strategy Leadership Work Culture Success Coaching

Table of Contents

Glad We Met
Summary of 6 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 6

What’s in it for me? Revitalize your team with masterful 1:1 meetings.

Fact: the typical approach to one-on-one work meetings is no longer cutting it. Employees crave more than just performance reviews; they seek meaningful engagement and mentorship. Are you trapped in old routines? Here is a fresh perspective: transform your 1:1 meetings into dynamic coaching sessions that empower employees, foster trust, and drive collective success.

Glad We Met offers a new approach. In this Blink you will learn how to convert each meeting into a potent tool for personal and organizational growth. Expect to learn efficient methods for mentoring and motivating your staff, as well as how to plan schedules that will result in a more enjoyable and productive workplace.

So, what do you think? Are you willing to ditch outdated meeting methods in favor of a strategy that is truly relevant to today’s workforce? Then let us begin.

1:1 meetings build trust, cohesion, and growth

Picture this: a focused conversation, just you and your colleague, in a setting where growth and success are at the forefront. That is the essence of a 1:1 meeting, a practice that’s reshaping the way we understand leadership and team dynamics.

Now, why are these 1:1s so crucial? They are not just another meeting on your calendar. No. These interactions are vital investments in personal and organizational development. They are the building blocks of trust and connection. Team leaders who focus on professional growth help not only their staff but also the overall productivity and peace of the group.

But wait – don’t we already have meetings and casual chats? Sure. Here is where 1:1s stand out. They offer something that group settings and impromptu conversations cannot – personalized, undivided attention to needs and goals. In a busy work environment, this laser-targeted approach is a breath of fresh air, allowing for detailed discussions that are impossible in a group context.

Leaders, take note: embracing 1:1s is not optional; it is a core part of your role. These meetings bring your team together, boost performance, and even reduce annoying work interruptions. More importantly, they are a key factor in keeping your team members engaged and on board. In short, 1:1s result in fewer surprises during performance reviews and a stronger, more cohesive team.

So, how do these 1:1s look? They are as diverse as the leaders and team members involved. From discussing well-being and productivity to tackling roadblocks and planning careers, these meetings are tailored to suit. Given their versatility, 1:1s are a valuable addition to any leader’s toolkit.

Beyond work performance, 1:1s have a broader impact. They are instrumental in creating an inclusive environment, addressing unique challenges, and promoting understanding across diverse teams. In simple terms, 1:1s benefit not just our professional lives, but also our personal growth and happiness as a whole.

The blueprint for effective 1:1s

Welcome to section 2. This section concerns how to set the stage for effective 1:1s, with a focus on clear communication, the ideal number of meetings, logistics, and the role of shared ownership.

Let’s start with communication, the heart of 1:1s. Picture a bridge being built between you and your leader, a conduit for open and honest dialogue. This bridge is the basis of trust and understanding, essential for effective collaboration. You should be encouraged to discuss your thoughts and concerns freely during meetings, as this will benefit not just your personal development but also the team’s dynamics.

Mastering the 1:1 conversation

Many leaders believe that one-on-one meetings are simply a check-in to see how things are. But bosses who work this way soon realize that these dialogues could go deeper. If they do not get the results they want, they may end up confused. So, the goal is not just to hold these meetings, but to master running them. The question is, where do we begin?

Let’s start with the twin pillars of effective 1:1s: active listening and empathy. Imagine a manager who doesn't just hear but really listens to an employee's challenges, empathizing with their situation. This approach leads to deeper understanding and more robust support, making the team members feel genuinely heard. Now, think about how a conversation changes when you discuss issues that really matter. An agenda, even a flexible one, directs the meeting, making it more meaningful.

Keeping the momentum going

Ever left a face-to-face meeting thinking, “This could have been an email”? You are not alone. That feeling of a wasted engagement is familiar to both workers and managers. But here’s a twist: the value of 1:1s often appears after the meeting ends. To better grasp these benefits, let's look at the post-meeting follow-up.

Consider a manager who, after every 1:1, sends out a summary email. More than a courteous gesture, this is a powerful tactic that defines action items and timelines. Simply following up can transform a good conversation into a concrete plan, fostering mutual understanding and commitment. But the momentum doesn't stop there. Implementing follow-up actions effectively involves a blend of clear documentation, mutual understanding of tasks, and specific timelines. Using shared digital tools, both parties can now track progress and stay in perfect sync. This approach keeps things clear, instilling a sense of accountability, ensuring that those post-meeting commitments turn into real results.

Curb your meeting overload

Let’s take on the next workplace meeting challenge: meeting overload. If you are feeling overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings, you may wonder whether there’s a hack to avoid this. Fortunately, there is. The obvious solution is to plan your time wisely. Try limiting daily meetings or setting out certain days for 1:1s. This will not only clear your schedule, but also ensure events are productive and meaningful.

Have you heard of skip-level meetings? Picture this: you are a manager, but instead of meeting with your direct reports, you are sitting down with their underlings. Skip-level meetings are a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights into the company and rate employee morale. Think of a department head chatting with new hires, revealing ground-level obstacles and issues that might not surface in regular meetings.

How to run effective and productive general meetings

At times, work can seem like a bunch of long conversations. This section addresses new ways to change how you run meetings, so they will be more productive and everyone’s time will be respected. Here is how to focus on general meetings that matter.

First, you should take a step back and rethink the need for meetings. Before scheduling, ask yourself three pressing questions: Is there a compelling reason for the event? Does it require active engagement? Would it be better to communicate some other way? Now, having determined the urgency of a meeting, you pave the way for more efficient communication and time management.

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What is Glad We Met about?

Glad We Met (2023) examines the transformative power of one-on-one meetings. This insightful exploration reveals why these meetings are not just a managerial duty but a cornerstone of effective leadership and team development. Learn to master the balance among productivity, relationship-building, and employee growth.

Glad We Met Review

Glad We Met (2021) explores the science behind successful business meetings and offers practical tips for making them more effective. Here's why this book is a must-read:

With a focus on maximizing productivity and engagement, it provides valuable strategies for ensuring meetings are purposeful and impactful.
By emphasizing the importance of clear communication and active participation, the book helps readers improve their meeting skills and outcomes.
Through insightful case studies and expert advice, it offers a fresh perspective on how meetings can be transformed from mundane to meaningful experiences.

Who should read Glad We Met?

The emerging leader
Experienced executives
The HR professional

About the Author

Steven G. Rogelberg is a professor at the University of North Carolina who specializes in organizational science, management, and psychology. He is known for his extensive research, which focuses on team performance, leadership, and employee well-being. His past works include The Surprising Science of Meetings.

Categories with Glad We Met

Management & Leadership Corporate Culture Career & Success Communication Skills

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