tags: #publish links: [[Management Articles]], [[Teams and Teamwork]], [[1-1 Questions]] created: 2020-09-09 Wed --- # Awkward 1-1s https://medium.com/@mrabkin/the-art-of-the-awkward-1-1-f4e1dcbd1c5c (part 2 is actually [[How to get good honest feedback]]) 1-1s aren't awkward enough! A little bit of awkwardness lets you talk about the *real stuff*. ## Embrace the awkward - Don't talk about any topic you could discuss in the open. - Commit to saying one rather awkward thing every 1-1. Try to get the other person too, too. ## Awkward topics ### Occasional / meta / feelings Emotions Conversation about the conversation Fears Trust ### Feedback **Are they acting like the best manager / report / partner you could wish for? Are you?** **What have you already told someone else about this person (or heard others say)?** **What is everyone around neglecting to tell this person?** (work mustard on their face) ### Humble advice seeking **A growth area you're working on** **What could I have done differently?** **How to be better** - ignore the lightweight answers and dig **Admit a fault**. Did they notice it? Ask for advice