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I’ve been questioning if it's ethical to record the O3’s that I have with my direct reports. When I explained six months ago the reasons for our O3’s I made it clear that our meetings are confidential and information would only be shared with their approval. I recored one recently to view my behavior during meetings, for example my posture and the amount of focus I give my direct report and i was mortified by what i saw. I don’t have any intention in sharing these recordings but does the fact that I record them break the confidentially of the O3’s?
NO!
I am adamantly opposed to recording 03's. Even if you do have the direct's permission, I cannot believe that he or she will behave the same knowing the meeting is being recorded.
If you do not tell your direct that you are recording the session and it's discovered that you are, you will never repair the damage because I believe that there will always be some or a great deal of doubt about your motives.
If you want to "behave better," join Toastmasters. The confidence you gain there practicing public speaking will spill over to your individual meetings.
http://www.toastmasters.org/
Glenn
Perhaps your behaviour was
Perhaps your behaviour was influenced by the knowledge you are being recorded?
Regards,
Gareth
"Perhaps your behaviour
"Perhaps your behaviour was influenced by the knowledge you are being recorded?" I can only hope thats not the case, if so my directs are more patient than i give them credit for.
Record the O3's
Never hide it, don't share it outside the 2 of you, but do it.
The major point that MT stresses, is that management takes work and practice. Relationships take work and practice.
Make it clear to the direct that you (the manager) are just trying to improve. The recording is not to "catch the direct" or anything sinister. It's simply to give the manager a way to reflect on their own effectiveness. And find areas to improve. Recording gives you views into your behavior that you would never have otherwise.
It's no different than recording yourself in slow-motion performing a golf-swing. The swing that in my mind looks like Tiger, actually looks like Mr. Roboto on video. Humbling, but, it gives insight on ways to improve.
Thanks for the advice MT
Thanks for the feedback I believe I’m going to delete the one recorded O3 I have and only record after I have the directs permission
Just a side note
I would be careful about saying something like "meetings are confidential and information would only be shared with their approval". There are some things that it would be unlawful or unethical for you not to share, and you don't want to put yourself in a situation like that.
Only with permission
Your intent is good. The tool will help you. I would ask my directs if any of them are comfortable with me video taping myself during an o3 so I can improve. If anybody accepts I would make a few recordings then tell the entire team when I no longer record sessions. Be transparent. Make sure everybody knows all the details.