Do not underestimate the importance of the meetings
As the Harvard Business Review states, many managers tend to regard evaluation and leadership meetings with employees as being of lesser importance and often plan them for late in the day in the belief there are more important things to deal with. The result is that participants often have neither the mood nor energy to focus on important, strategic topics.
Block enough time for the meetings
You should not feel pressed for time during assessment meetings. Block sufficient time, consider the meeting a priority and do not look at your phone during it.
Define what you will talk about and what you want to achieve
Every meeting should have a clear aim and agenda; assessment meetings are no exception. Do not waste time on small talk; deal with specific topics so the meetings are not just about fulfilling an obligation.
Remember the meeting is not about you
As a manager, you should not focus on yourself during meetings, but primarily on the given employee. Put aside your ego for a while and genuinely try to listen to the person on the other side of the table.
Focus on long-term visions and strategic topics
Regular meetings with employees are too often used to talk about everyday matters and catch up on the daily agenda. Do not talk about mundane tasks and individual projects with your employees; instead, focus on the general context, long-term visions and strategies.
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