Touch Base Meetings with Staff Members

What:

Touch Base meetings are short (15 to 30 minute) meetings that provide staff members a change to discuss problems, issues, and successes. Touch base meetings are different from meetings you would schedule to tell employees what you expect of them or to assign them some work - try to schedule these meetings separately.

Why:

Touch base meetings are great for keeping the lines of communication open and for building trust and showing you value the individual.  Purpose of the meeting is to touch base with the staff member on whatever they might need to talk to you about.

When:

Pre-book a series of 15 to 30 minute ‘touch base’ meetings with each staff member (can be once a week, bi-monthly or once a month).

How:

It can be awkward at first if you have never done this before – so have patience.

• Explain to your staff members that you want to have touch base meetings with them so they have a chance every week to discuss problems, issues, successes or anything else they think you should know.
• Tell them you are interested in their work and it is important for you to know what is happening for them and within the unit.
• To help get the conversation going try asking:
  • "How are things going? And how are you doing?"
  • "What do you think I need to know about this week?"
  • "Tell me what is happening in your work right now?"
  • "What do you want to focus on this week?"
• Listen and try not to interrupt.
• Ask questions for clarification.
• Respond to any questions or requests for information.
• Close the meeting in 15 to 30 minutes and thank the staff member for meeting with you.