One-on-one meetings can be an essential tool for communication, collaboration, and professional development within a company. 1-on-1 Meetings are usually held between a manager and a direct report.

Having meetings with someone who is not a direct report or a manager can be beneficial in a number of ways.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider having meetings with colleagues who are not in a direct reporting relationship with you:

1. Collaboration: Meeting with colleagues from different departments or teams can be an opportunity to collaborate on projects or initiatives that benefit the organization as a whole. You can work together to achieve common goals by sharing information and resources.

2. Networking: Building relationships with colleagues across different parts of the organization can help you expand your network and build your reputation within the company. This can be especially helpful if you're interested in exploring new career opportunities within the organization.

3. Sharing knowledge: Meeting with colleagues with different areas of expertise can be a great way to learn and share knowledge. By discussing best practices and exchanging ideas, you can gain new insights and perspectives that can help you improve your own work.

4. Problem-solving: Sometimes, you may encounter challenges or issues that require input from colleagues outside your immediate team or reporting structure. By having meetings with these colleagues, you can tap into their expertise and work together to find solutions to complex problems.

5. Professional development: Meeting with colleagues with different backgrounds or experiences can be a great way to expand your professional development. Learning from their experiences and perspectives can broaden your understanding of the industry and build your skills and knowledge.

If you want to schedule a one-on-one meeting with someone in your company other than your manager, here are some steps you can take:

1. Request a meeting: The first step is to request a meeting with the person you want to speak with. You can do this through email, instant messaging, or talking to them directly.

2. Explain the purpose of the meeting: When you request the meeting, be clear about why you want to meet. Let them know what topics you want to discuss and what you hope to achieve from the meeting.

3. Set a date and time: Once you have agreed to meet, set a date and time that works for both of you. Consider the schedule of the person you will meet and any deadlines they may be working towards.

4. Prepare an agenda: To ensure the meeting is productive, prepare an agenda ahead of time. This should include the topics you want to discuss and any questions you want to ask.

5. Create a comfortable environment: To make the most of the meeting, create a comfortable environment. Choose a quiet location where you can speak without interruptions, and ensure you have everything you need, such as a notepad or computer.

6. Listen actively: During the meeting, make sure you actively listen to the other person's perspective. Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas and ask questions to clarify points you don't understand.

7. Follow up: Follow up with any action items or next steps after the meeting. This will help ensure that any issues or concerns discussed in the meeting are addressed effectively.

By following these steps, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with anyone in your company besides your manager and ensure the meeting is productive and effective.