You did WHAT this weekend???
Last week, I had a chat with a Spa Manager about how well she knows her team. She was confident, saying she knew them well. I pressed a bit more—asking her to think about each of their favorite foods, colors, or what they like to do in their downtime—she quickly replied that she knew what was "important" to know. Interesting, right?
I'm sharing this because, as you might have gathered from my weekly newsletters (or will soon find out if you're new here), they're all about real-life lessons from both my successes and slip-ups. As your business coach, I don't just throw theories at you; I'm right there in the trenches with you, teaching from experience.
In my module on staff, I mention that you should hold 1-on-1 meetings every four months. I know schedules get crazy, and sometimes we push things back—like I did recently when I let my own one-on-ones lapse by two months. There's a reason I suggest four months instead of six. This time around, I discovered not only some serious personal challenges my team members were facing but also a critical need for training in communication and sales techniques I hadn't planned on addressing. Plus, I learned some delightful facts about each person, their hobbies, fun they get up to on the weekend, leading to laughs, tears, and, most importantly, a stronger bond. Why does this matter? Simple. The closer you are to someone, the more they'll want to support and help you—making your job a whole lot easier.
You're aware of how crucial "meaningful conversation" is in building rapport with clients to turn them into loyal advocates. I urge you to do the same with your team. Engage in meaningful conversations with every single member and watch the magic happen. It's genuinely transformative.
Here are 5 reasons why these 1-on-1 meetings are essential:
- Builds Trust and Connection: Knowing personal details about your staff members shows that you care about them as individuals, not just as employees. This fosters a sense of trust and connection between you and your team, creating a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Strengthens Relationships: Understanding personal interests, hobbies, and experiences allows you to connect with your staff members on a deeper level. This strengthens relationships and promotes camaraderie among team members, making collaborating, communicating, and resolving conflicts easier.
- Enhances Employee Engagement: Employees who feel that their personal lives are acknowledged and respected in the workplace are more likely to feel engaged and motivated. Building personal connections with your staff members can increase their job satisfaction and overall sense of belonging within the team.
- Fosters Empathy and Understanding: Learning about your staff members' personal challenges, goals, and aspirations cultivates empathy and understanding. This enables you to better support them, whether by offering flexibility during difficult times, providing opportunities for growth and development, or celebrating their achievements.
- Promotes a Positive Organizational Culture: A workplace culture that values personal connections and mutual respect contributes to a positive and inclusive environment. When team members feel comfortable sharing aspects of their personal lives, it creates a sense of community and belonging that extends beyond professional duties. This, in turn, promotes loyalty, retention, and a strong sense of teamwork.
Are you curious to learn more or need a handy template for your one-on- ones? Perhaps you’d like a guide to hosting effective meetings or a blueprint for hosting product one-on-ones? Join our Wellness Professionals Club, where you’ll find this topic and over twenty others ready to plug and play, helping you streamline your operations and achieve great success.
Want to get more involved? Don’t miss our upcoming coaching session. There’s still some space left, and I'll be showing you how to use our powerful daily business analysis tool. This is one of my top five immediate actions when I step into operations—a game-changing spreadsheet!
Till then!
Marisa
