I have recently hired a project coordinator. This is her first permanent gig and she's doing okay overall. However, in meetings I've noticed her need to incessantly chatter (about the weather, her sweater, her cat...it's maddening). I thought it was nerves or being new - but it happens every.single.meeting. and it's causing issues. I mentioned it in our 1x1 and have suggested giving people a few minutes of silence between meetings / reading the room - but the blabbing continues. Help!

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This seems like a weird criticism to have. Would you have the same critique if she were a man? What are some concrete examples of her chatter “causing issues”? Sounds like you just don’t like her personality, which is fine, but just say that.

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I still don’t understand, is she eating up time. Is her talking hindering her work ethic? Or is she just annoying to you so you chose to nitpick and hate her for something dumb.

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Sounds like it’s just her personality & she’s trying to find her footing & make connections. What exactly are the issues it’s causing?

likeuplifting

Seconding this. A lot of people who open with small talk are doing it deliberately. Research suggests that it helps contacts develop rapport and connect more authentically, especially when working remotely. (My boss never starts a meeting without at least 5 minutes of small talk, which is a factor of both his personality and desire to make connections.)

I’m a very direct person and typically don’t have any inclination to chatter, but I’ve found that taking a few minutes to make small talk sets a different tone than jumping right in. Try indulging her while you’re waiting for others to join the meeting.

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Maybe it's nerves + extraversion?

Once the years of working wear her down I'm sure she'll be snarky and silent. 😆

likefunny

Am I understanding that the expectation is to sit in a meeting room in silence between meetings? I would find that very uncomfortable, even as an introverted project manager. It sounds like this person is looking for common ground and building relationships. If I needed to get work done between meetings, I would just say that at the time. This person is new to the role, and probably in information overload, and the mention of this at the 1:1 may not be clicking to the exact circumstance.

likehelpful

Everyone is different and I appreciate that about my team. There are some who are very serious and only talk about work. There are others who are more relaxed and do small talk at times to break the ice. Weather, holidays, family, etc. My perspective since I am a high achiever and very driven in my career when someone does small talk - I appreciate it bc it’s a good reminder that we are all human and work doesn’t have to be all about work every single minute.

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It could be that she is an extrovert, that she processes information by talking out loud, wants to get to know the team, or is nervous. You might see this as a weakness but it can be argued as a strength.

You cannot go into a 1:1 and tell her to not talk as much. That is criticising her personality and not the job she is doing. You said she is only getting 85% of the work done vs 100%. This IS something you can discuss with her.

Create a clear & concise meeting agenda.
Start the meeting with the expectation of “we have a lot to get though during this time I would like to stick to the meeting agenda.”
If you get off topic, redirect back to the agenda.

likehelpful

Yeah this is a good tip. Set a measurable expectation that x number of topics need to be addressed in a meeting lasting only y minutes, and if she is failing in meeting those measurables then talk with her about it.

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Chatter is good to create a comfortable atmosphere for the team and gives her a leverage to deal with people being a project coordinator. Just let her do the job her way! You should have a problem only if your work isn't getting done.

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This is a good problem to have as it seems like she simply needs coaching. I would find some sort of educational tool for her to read or attend as well as learn how to educate and motivate her myself.

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I’m going to side with the OP and say it must be to an extreme level.

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Perhaps she is trying to develop her relationship with the teams and is just kind. Keep guiding her as to what specifically your culture is and how to navigate it for her success. Transparency works.

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I understand what you mean with the chatter. My suggestion is give her examples of when she does it so she can learn the difference between the over the top and “normal”

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What issues is it causing OP?

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Is she from a different country or is she used to working with teams of a different country before?

I used to work in Asian teams and recently moved to the UK and noticed that the Brits loved small talk, so as an introvert I'm having to put conscious effort to small talk. May be she is facing similar cultural challenges?

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Great question - she and I are both American and the teams we work with are from Europe, Middle East, South Africa and New Zealand. I actually think the Brits get the most annoyed because they are the busiest team and she manages the bulk of their calls.

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I share the sentiment of the other comments. Chatter and small talk creates empathy and builds rapport with your coworkers. We’re humans with lives outside of work. Why not have a little fun for 5 min tired before starting the work part?

It sounds like you might be better suited for an individual contributor (IC) role instead of managing people. There’s no reason to address this as a negative in 1:1 or imply she’s distracting others. Really, she has a much needed skill for leadership. Hopefully, she sees much success in her career!

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What was her response when addressing this 1:1?

I would try this - the meeting (not chatter) starts at x time (say 2 pm). If she wants to have small talk prior to the start time…so be it but at 2 pm - we focus on the meeting & what needs discussed. I always try to log on or get to meetings a few minutes before it starts & generally have some small talk but when the clock hits the start time - meeting begins. Not sure if that will help but will keep her on task & not wasting others time during the actually meeting timeframe.

I spend no extra times on meetings, I’m laser focused.

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