4 Questions Bosses Should Ask Their Employees During One-on-One Meetings

As a boss, you have the responsibility to be a leader. Part of being a leader is checking in with individual members of the team. That is because when individual parts of a whole are strong, the group will be stronger and more cohesive as a result.

It is a good idea for you to set aside time every week to check in with each team member individually in a one-on-one meeting. This is an opportunity for employees to address any questions or concerns they have about their job, and it’s also a chance for you to bond with your employees and learn a little bit more about everyone.

To be a great leader, you have to understand whom you are leading. Read on for great questions all bosses should ask their employees during one-on-one meetings:

What can we do to make your week better?

This is a gentle way of asking your employees if there is anything they would like to improve about their jobs. You do not necessarily have to problem-solve here, but it’s a good idea to find out potential for growth. What bosses need to remember is that employees are not simply there to work for money. They also seek opportunities, and part of being a great leader is providing employees with the chances and the resources to grow.

Is there anything bothering you?

Sometimes, employees don’t feel comfortable telling you their true feelings about a certain topic while in a group setting. They may be afraid of being judged, or they may simply be too shy. A one-on-one meeting is the perfect opportunity to allow your employees to process or talk over things that happened that they would only feel comfortable discussing in a private setting.

What did you do this week that you were proud of?

Achievements and accomplishments deserve to be recognized. As the boss, you may be so busy managing all your employees and trying to keep your company together that you don’t notice someone’s hard work. Give your employees a chance to tell you what they achieved and how they did it. You may not realize just how much some employees are doing.

How much direction do you feel you are getting, and does it work for you?

Some employees like to be constantly managed, so they know exactly what to do and how to do it, at all times. Other employees like to work independently and pretty much guide themselves. People respond to different leadership styles. It may be helpful for you to know what leadership styles your employees respond to.

Being a leader encompasses so many things, and that includes understanding your employees. You cannot lead properly without knowing who you are leading.