EP196 - Why You Avoid Talking to Your Team with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett

During one of our recent two-day intensive sessions, Julie shared some statistics about MSP leaders and their lack of regular one-to-ones with their teams. Shockingly, only about 50% of those in the room admitted to conducting regular one-to-one meetings with their team members. This means that half of them are missing out on a golden opportunity to build trust, enhance performance, and foster a culture of accountability and autonomy.

Julie Hutchison emphasised the importance of these conversations, highlighting that as your business grows, so does your need to rely on your team. You can't do everything yourself, and the key to scaling successfully is to build a team that is not only capable but also confident and collaborative. By conducting regular one-to-ones, you create a space where team members feel heard and valued, which in turn encourages them to take ownership of their roles.

A key takeaway from our conversation is the idea of being "interested, not interesting." Julie pointed out that many leaders avoid conversations with their team because they feel they don't know what to say or fear conflict. But the beauty of these meetings is that they're not about delivering grand speeches or only addressing issues; they're about listening. Julie Hutchison advises approaching these conversations with genuine curiosity about what your team members have to say. Ask them about their goals, what they're working on, and how they feel about their progress. It's about building trust by showing that you care about their input and development.

One of the key points Julie made was that regular one-to-ones should not be seen as formal, intimidating events. Instead, they can be casual conversations, whether in the office, over coffee, or even during a car ride. The important thing is to create opportunities for dialogue, where team members can express their thoughts and ideas freely. This approach not only takes the pressure off both parties but also encourages a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.

Another gem from Julie Hutchison was her advice on the "coaching style" of conducting one-to-ones. This involves using a framework like the GROW model, which encourages team members to reflect on their goals, assess their current situation, explore options, and commit to action steps. By guiding them through this process, you're not just telling them what to do; you're helping them develop problem-solving skills and a sense of responsibility for their own growth.

It's important to remember that these conversations are not just about addressing problems. They're also about recognising achievements, sharing updates on company goals, and aligning everyone with the business vision. When team members understand the bigger picture and see how their work contributes to it, they become more engaged and motivated to succeed.

Julie Hutchison's insights highlight the transformative power of communication in building a high-performing team. By making regular one-to-ones a priority, you're investing in your team's development and, ultimately, the success of your business. So, if you're an MSP leader who's been avoiding these conversations, take that first step today. Book that initial meeting, keep it informal, and focus on listening and learning from your team. As Julie wisely said, be interested, not interesting. This simple shift in mindset can lead to a more empowered, engaged, and effective team.

Remember, building a business that works for you starts with creating a team that can thrive without you constantly steering the ship.

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Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon!