I have been an avid reader of Tom Peters since in Search of Excellence. Must be almost 20 years!
He put a post on his blog today that for me captures the purpose of weekly 121s. It is about establishing a relationship in which you can listen respectfully- and in which the person you are managing can tell you important stuff. Tom says:
“Listening may or may not be an “act of love” or way to “tap into people’s dreams,” but it sure as hell is:
- an uncommon act of courtesy and recognition of worth from which
- you will invariably learn amazing stuff if you can just keep your damn mouth shut and ears open with an expression of interest on your face and
- it will build-maintain relationships beyond your wildest dreams. “
Courtesy, respect and recognition. Learn amazing stuff. Keep your mouth shut. be interested. Build relationships.
Not a bad set of outcomes for a managers who is willing to put in the effort.