The program really changed the way I look at one-on-ones - it was a complete shift. When I wasn’t managing, I thought one-on-ones are just a conversation. Now I know that this is one of the most important things you can do as a manager. During my time in the accelerator, I figured out what not to do - and what we are probably all doing as new managers. I learned that you must prepare a lot for your one-on-ones, and now I block time in my calendar. I also block time post-one-on-ones to ensure that I follow up on what people say to me. I referenced the program’s questions and came up with unique questions per person. I continue using the shared materials almost every time I prepare, to make sure that I do not forget to ask questions from different domains.

Support from Kona’s team helped me to ask bigger questions with more confidence and experience that spark when people open up for the right questions.

This program really encouraged me to take action. I really liked that format. I read leadership books on my own, but I don’t usually get the opportunity to talk about it. Having someone to bounce ideas off of and coming away with action items is great.

I feel like I made progress in leaps and bounds. I struggled with one on ones as I didn’t know what to talk about. But now, coming out of that block of meetings, I feel really good about where I’m at and where the team is at. It’s been huge—-I’m making effort to make notes for every one on one meeting with the agenda and sections we workshopped. My teammates are coming to me more, they’re looking to collaborate on things we’ve talked about.

This week, I heard feedback from my manager that he’s noticed that projects have been going very well and to keep up the great work.