One-on-Ones in a consulting engagement

Submitted by Igal Corcos
in
Manager Tools Trinity

Hi,

I'm going to be starting a new consulting engagement next week where I will be taking over for an IT development team manager for a minimum of three months while she is away on disability. I have worked with this team in the past as a technical consultant/solution architect. At the time (about a year and a half ago) the people in the team didn't really report to me directly other than with regards to technical matters. Now I am returning to the team and will be their direct superior while their manager is away.

My questions:

1) How soon into the engagement can I start doing One-on-Ones if they're not already being done.

2) If they were doing One-on-Ones before, but not necessarily using the MT format, should I try to change them or stick to the format they are used to?

Thanks!

(Forgive me if this has been discussed before, but I searched most of the posts and couldn't find anything that really addressed the same issues)

 

 

Submitted by Sue Stevens on Saturday July 4th, 2009 2:42 am

Hi,
I'd suggest you should start doing one-on-ones straight away. I'd guess that during the first one you'll find out whether they're used to doing them, and if so what the format is. If they are all used to a particular format that works well for them, and fits with the spirit of the MT format, I doubt I'd push something different too strongly. From my (albeit not that expert) experience the actual format isn't the most important thing, as long as they have chance to speak, you get the same, and you talk about career stuff every now and then. The point is to meet up and talk, and to build the relationship.
If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend listening to http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/03/the-first-rule-for-new-managers which should give you advice on starting one on ones, plus plenty of other tips. I seem to remember that the key message in that is not to change things right away. I'd guess in this role it's particularly important to major heavily on listening initially,as you're in a sense merely keeping the seat warm for someone who'll be returning in a while.
It sounds like an exciting new role. Good luck!

Submitted by John Hack on Sunday July 5th, 2009 8:40 pm

 I agree with StringL:  start them right away. 
And use the MT format.  It works fine, and it won't seem odd if they've already been doing them.  
John Hack

Submitted by Igal Corcos on Tuesday July 7th, 2009 7:12 pm

Thanks for the responses.
I'll be sending out my O3 email invites tomorrow.