How do I ask my boss for weekly one-on-one meetings?

Submitted by Steven Simon
in
Manager Tools Trinity

Hi, 

I recently started a new job, and I think weekly one-on-one meetings with my boss could help our relationship. Is there a diplomatic way for me ask him if we could have weekly one-on-ones?

He seems like someone who might be amenable to doing so, but I don't want to appear to be telling him what to do or trying to manage him. I should also mention that he's considerably younger than me.

Thanks!

Submitted by dave johnson on Monday September 21st, 2009 7:06 am

I recommend you listen to this podcast - #50:
Boss One-on-Ones - Professional Updates. Came out in November of 2008.

Submitted by US41 on Monday September 21st, 2009 8:43 pm

The short answer is this: Don't try to manage your boss. Don't suggest things your boss should do that will make things better for you. Your job is to make your boss look good, not enjoy yourself, feel loved and appreciated, or otherwise have a smooth time. Tough it out, and ask what your boss wants. Give that. Find out boss objectives, and deliver them. Find things on the boss's desk and take them away, complete them, and return them.
Asking your boss for one on ones is an attempt to manage your boss. So is saying, "You should..." and anything else after it. Or "It would be nice if you..." Requests go down, performance goes up.
US41

Submitted by John Hack on Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 8:17 am

 Ignore the age difference.  It really doesn't matter, and there's nothing you can do about it anyway. 
John Hack

Submitted by Steven Simon on Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 11:12 pm

Thanks so much for the helpful information. (Hi John.) I listened to the recommended podcasts, and they were just what I needed. I'm so glad I didn't try to broach the subject with my boss before posting my question, and getting some other (and well-informed) points of view.
steve