Successful Meetings With Your Boss Made Easy

Maybe you’re nervous about meeting with your boss or maybe you rarely engage with them or let’s be honest they lead the meetings and you just show up. Either way, having more effective communications with your manager would only be beneficial for your career. Regular and productive meetings enable you to make a positive impression and gather information you need to do your job as well as insights about what’s happening in the company.

So, let’s learn how to use meetings with your boss to enhance your working relationship and your performance. Take a look at the below tips on how to encourage more one-on-one time, and spend it wisely to the point that you make a great impression and stand out from your peers.

Conducting Meetings with Your Boss:

1. Take notes. Writing down information demonstrates that you’re listening. It also gives you something to refer to later in case you need to refresh your memory.
2. Focus on action items. Your boss will be more eager to meet with you if you help them to look good. Pay attention to their priorities and use each session to find practical ways you can make a contribution. Break things down into manageable tasks and realistic deadlines. Be sure to follow through. Don’t give your manager a deadline and then not meet the deadline you both agreed to (unless something major happens of course).
3. Ask for what you need. Let your boss know how they can help you to become a more valuable employee. Clarify any confusing issues and ask for additional resources like training or new software. In essence, it’s okay to ask questions and if it’s not okay where you work, you need to find a new company and job to work for.
4. Be accountable. If you’ve made a misstep, own up to it promptly. Explain what you’re doing to correct the situation and prevent it from happening again. It shows responsibility.
5. Address special circumstances. Your boss will probably appreciate you keeping your meetings as brief as possible, unless you have a dedicated time for 1:1’s. On the other hand, there are times when you need to meet more often with more time. That may include your first month working together or anytime you have a major or unusual project, so chime in more often where you need it.
6. Demonstrate leadership. Go beyond your job description. Talk about the big picture at your company and conditions that affect your industry with your manager. You can learn a lot from what you boss has to say. Share your own insights as well to show that you’re learning and engaged.
7. Invite feedback. Be open to constructive criticism. Ask your boss what you’re doing well and where you need to grow. If they share something that you may not agree with, seek understanding instead of getting an attitude.
8. Express gratitude. Remember to thank your boss for their time. Tell them how your meetings help you to close more sales or provide superior customer service. Showing appreciation and humility is always a plus. I’m sure most managers have a lot of other things can do with their time, so a simple ‘thank you’ will suffice.

Preparing to Meet with Your Manager:

1. Identify the purpose of the meeting. This bullet are for those that don’t already have a regular cadence with their boss. If you don’t have time already scheduled, see if you can carve out some time to connect and engage with your manager. Once that’s accomplished, when showing up to the meeting, make sure that you have clearly identified the purpose of the meeting. It shows your manager that you value their time by keeping your meetings on track. Have a clear idea of what you need to accomplish, whether that is giving them a status update or presenting a project proposal.
2. Write an agenda. Put your agenda down on paper. Email it to your boss in advance so they can think about it too, and have an extra copy with you so you’ll both have it front of you for reference. This action alone shows that you put thought into your conversation and it shows massive initiative. Make sure to leave wiggle room and time for your manager to share their thoughts, remember this is about collaboration and team work.
3. Look professional. Depending on your workplace, it might be appropriate to take extra care with your appearance. Wear something a little more formal than your typical wardrobe. You’ll look more professional and feel more confident too!
4. Develop solutions. Let your boss know that you’re proactive. Before you raise an issue with them, line up several possible solutions, and be ready to discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s not be the person who just comes with problems but no solutions, it doesn’t look good. Coming with solutions shows critical thinking, creativity, initiative, engagement and innovation (especially if it’s an improvement process).
5. Practice small talk. It also helps to humanize your manager. Find out what they’re interested in so you can chat about college basketball or basset hounds. Read about world news and industry events so you’ll be well-informed. Make sure it’s genuine!
6. Think positive. Express your enthusiasm. Think about the things you like about your job and your boss. Smile and be happy.
7. Do great work. Of course, it’s easier to feel confident and impress your boss when you know you’re exceeding their expectations. Cultivate a reputation for excellence and by doing what’s in this article you’re well on your way there!

In a world of digital communications, chatting with your manager is still essential for building rapport and developing professionally. Boost your performance and advance your career by mastering the art of meetings and conversations with your boss!

I’m cheering for you!

Lexi