How to organise a 1:1 with your manager
Most companies should have a clear feedback process in place for their employees, so it’s likely that you’ll be told how these sorts of check-ins will be booked in, and how frequently. Whilst it will vary company to company, it’s common to have weekly, bi-weekly or monthly informal check-ins with your manager. Most companies will also have more formalised semi-annual and annual performance reviews. It is in these more formalised reviews that you might expect to be informed about matters such as a promotion and a salary review or raise.
If you start your new job, however, and there is no mention of feedback sessions or check-ins with your manager, remember that it’s absolutely reasonable, and in fact encouraged, to ask your manager to set aside some time for you. Having regular check-ins with your manager is so important, particularly if you feel disconnected from them. They are an opportunity for you to address concerns you might have and to build a rapport with your manager, which will help strengthen your working relationship with them. In an ideal world, you’d have a manager who will always find time for you and prioritise your development. In reality, however, you might have a manager who is managing several different people and isn’t making time for you. Just know that you don’t need to put up with that; requesting that they set aside time for you is a great example of upward management. Not only will this make your life easier, but it will also show your manager that you can use your initiative and take action.
- What is upward management?Managing up refers to doing what you can to make your manager’s job easier. If you manage upwards you are essentially managing your manager.
When requesting a 1:1 with your manager, just remember to keep the tone positive and stress why it’s beneficial to them. Answer: Because it will make their life easier if you become a better performing employee. Here’s an example of how you can phrase your request: