One-on-One Meeting Guide: James Stanier (SVP of Engineering, Brandwatch)

Avoid the rookie mistakes engineering managers and engineering leaders make at running one-on-one meetings. James Stanier, SVP of Engineering at Brandwatch, and author of "Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager" will teach you how to handle one-on-ones with both introverts, and people who complain all the time, along with many more tips and tricks.The raffle is closed.In this interview we're covering:The goal of a one on one meetingThe ideal frequency of one on one meetingsOne on one preparation tips for engineering managersHandling challenging personalitiesDocumenting your one on onesCritical feedback at one on onesCommon mistakes of engineering managersWalking versus sitting one on onesOne on one meeting with a new team memberOne on one meetings questions and topicsDoing one on ones with individual contributors vs managersPreparing engineering managers to run one on onesHow direct reports should prepare for one on onesExcerpt from the interview:"Remember; venting to your manager is fine. Sometimes people get frustrated and need to blow off steam in a private setting. You should support this.If it becomes a recurring thing though, it's your duty as a manager to turn this into constructive energy. In this situation, you rarely have anything to say; you're just listening to a frustrated person. Sometimes you try to turn the conversation in a positive direction, but they just vent more, and you end up getting frustrated yourself.I’ve dealt with employees who were venting all the time. I’m a good listener, but it can backfire when I run into these people. The first time I had a team member doing this early in my management career, I had no idea what to do.Many weeks went by until I finally said..."Click here to read the full interview!