In this unit, we'll focus on how to stay updated on projects during 1-1 meetings. Keeping track of project progress is essential for timely delivery and identifying potential issues early. Mastering these techniques will ensure you’re effectively staying updated while supporting your team's success.

Start your 1-1 meetings by asking your direct reports for the main accomplishments and developments since the last update. This approach sets a positive tone and provides a quick overview of progress. For instance, asking "What are the key highlights from your work this week?" can help you quickly gauge recent achievements.

Next, delve into the challenges your team members are facing. Identifying blockers early is crucial for maintaining project momentum. A useful question could be: "What challenges have you encountered, and how can I help you overcome them?" This opens up a dialogue for problem-solving and support.

Let's take a look at a hypothetical dialog between two colleagues to understand how to effectively discuss challenges.

• Jake: What challenges have you encountered on the project this week?
• Nova: Actually, I've been struggling with the new API integration. It's taking longer than expected.
• Jake: I see. What specifically is causing the delay?
• Nova: I'm having trouble with the authentication process; it's not accepting our tokens consistently.
• Jake: Got it. Have you tried reaching out to the API support team for help?
• Nova: Not yet. I wasn't sure if it was my issue or theirs.
• Jake: It might be a good idea to check with them. Meanwhile, is there anything else you need?

In this dialogue, observe how Jake identifies the specific challenge Nova is facing and offers a practical step while ensuring continued support.

Conclude the discussion by clarifying the next steps and setting priorities until your next 1-1 meeting. This ensures that your team members leave with a clear understanding of what to focus on. For example, you might ask, "Can you outline the next steps you'll be taking on this project?" to solidify their action plan.

By following these strategies, you will maintain an up-to-date understanding of project statuses and help your team navigate any obstacles they might encounter. In the upcoming role-play sessions, you will practice these techniques to solidify your approach.