- Establish what you’ll go over with your boss. …
- Make a list of items you want to discuss during the meeting. …
- View the meeting as a positive opportunity. …
- Come up with ideas and solutions for problems. …
- Confirm your meeting time the day before. …
- Bring a notepad with you.
The Simple Secret to Having an Effective Meeting with Your Boss
Why is it important to prepare for a meeting with your boss?
It’s crucial to prepare for a meeting with your boss because doing so can affect how productive it is. Here are some specific instances of how you can profit from advance planning:
What situations prompt one-on-one meetings with your boss?
There are many circumstances in which you might need to have a private meeting with your boss. Here are some examples to aide your understanding:
12 tips for having a good meeting with your boss
No matter the topic of your meeting with your boss, consider these 12 suggestions to make it successful:
1. Establish what youll go over with your boss
Whether you or your boss requested a one-on-one meeting, be sure you both are aware of the subjects you intend to cover. To accomplish this, send them an email that includes one or more of the topics you want to cover first before moving on to other topics.
2. Make a list of items you want to discuss during the meeting
You can ensure that you cover all the topics you wanted to discuss with your boss during the meeting by making a list. Additionally, you can bring the list with you and use it as a guide for your conversation.
3. View the meeting as a positive opportunity
Try to enter the meeting with a positive outlook whether you intend to discuss performance, pay needs, internal promotions, or workplace incidents. You can see it as an opportunity for professional growth and improved communication with your boss.
4. Come up with ideas and solutions for problems
Make sure to create a list of potential solutions to bring into the meeting if you intend to discuss issues with work tasks, software, or other issues. Employers will notice your inventiveness and enthusiasm for your job thanks to this.
5. Confirm your meeting time the day before
You remind your boss of the time of your scheduled meeting and demonstrate professionalism by confirming the day before.
6. Bring a notepad with you
Your boss may give you crucial information during a one-on-one meeting, such as tasks you need to complete, areas where you need to improve, or details about raise percentages and professional development research. You can take notes and make sure you remember important details later on by bringing a notepad.
7. Allow time for small talk
This is the ideal opportunity to get to know your boss better and develop a positive relationship with them, even though it’s important to have a productive meeting and stay on task. This might happen at the start of the meeting and can help you transition into other topics.
8. Ask for feedback
When you have a one-on-one meeting with your boss, this is the ideal opportunity to request sincere feedback because you have their full attention. To do this, you can either ask them what they thought of a recent project you worked on or what areas they would like to see you improve in.
9. Dont be afraid to ask too many questions
Your boss may discuss concepts or terms in a meeting that you don’t fully understand. You can ensure that you leave the meeting with a clear understanding of new responsibilities, performance enhancements, or pay increases by asking as many clarifying questions as you can.
10. Bring up your career goals
Use the time you have during your meeting to reiterate your career goals with the company, whether you’re checking in with your boss or talking about performance, pay needs, or both. This demonstrates to your manager that you value your position and are eager to accept new duties as they arise.
11. Develop a plan for the future
After the meeting, talk to your boss about the next step and, if necessary, schedule another meeting. For instance, you decide to arrange a second meeting with your boss for the following month to assess your development as a team player.
12. Send a follow up email and a thank you
After the meeting, send your boss a brief email thanking them for their time, outlining the points you two covered and your future plans. For instance, “I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me about how I can enhance my contributions to the department. Thank you again.” I look forward to our follow up discussion next month. “.
FAQ
How do I impress my boss in a meeting?
- Make smart small talk. Even managers and executives don’t like to talk about their jobs all the time.
- Choose your meeting materials wisely. …
- Respect your boss by respecting your own work. …
- Ask intelligent questions. …
- Finish with a strong call to action.
What questions to ask when meeting your boss first?
- Don’t let them cancel. Ask to reschedule.
- Avoid status updates.
- Bring things you want to talk about.
- Talk about your career goals.
- Encourage your manager to take notes.
- Make it actionable.
- Think about your manager’s view.
How do you talk to your boss?
- Who should I meet with outside of our team? …
- How do you prefer to communicate? …
- How can I get your opinion and feedback in the most effective way?
- What can I do to help the team and benefit the company?
- What would you do if you were in my shoes? .
- How can I further develop my potential?
