In most organizations, regular check-ins with your manager are part of the working experience. In order to use your (and your manager’s) time efficiently, proper preparations can ensure you cover all relevant topics in a concise manner so you can get the answers your need and they can too.
Preparation and Presentation
The key to a successful meeting, regardless of the length, is solid preparation and a method to your presentation. If your check-in meetings have a standard format, review the primary topics and gather any information you may need to cover them. If they do not, then focus on the basics.
First, consider any accomplishments or goals that have been met since your last meeting, as well as any progress that has been made on projects that are still ongoing. Treat this like a highlight reel. Keep the updates concise and on point. Be prepared to answer follow up questions, should they arise, but don’t assume your manager needs every detail or piece of minutia. Instead, provide the overview and give them a chance to respond.
Continue by reviewing the next steps you are planning to take regarding any current or new projects. Again, there is no need to bombard them without prompting. Cover the bullet points and give them an opportunity to ask follow up questions if they feel more information is needed.
Finally, organize any questions or concerns you may have. This can include potential obstacles to the success of a project, information that has yet to be received from other departments, or any clarifications on a project’s overall direction.
Once your information has been covered, find out what will be needed from you going forward. This can include deliverables on current projects, as well as tasks related to new projects or priorities. When possible, take notes regarding these requests. This will help ensure you have access to the key information you are provided without having to go back to your manager to get information they have already provided.
Follow Up
If your check-in meetings often involve the assignment of additional tasks, prepare a follow up message after the meeting is complete. In the message (an email is likely sufficient) provide a brief description of the task and what your intended next steps are. This not only provides your manager with a guide regarding your plans, it is given in such a way that allows them to go over the information at their leisure.
Additionally, it can serve as a reminder for you. Use the information to create a roadmap, planning contact opportunities and meetings, as well as blocking out dedicated time to work on specific tasks or projects. As you make progress, update your roadmap and track what has been accomplished. When it is time for your next meeting, you will have the bulk of the information right at your fingertips.
By instituting some, or all, of the techniques listed here, you can the most out of every meeting. If you are looking for new opportunities in your field, The Squires Group can help you make your job search as efficient as your check-in meetings. Contact us to super charge your career today.
