1:1 Meeting

What are 1:1 Meetings?

1:1 meetings, also known as one-on-ones or check-ins, are scheduled meetings between a manager and a direct report. These meetings provide a valuable space for:

• Open communication: Employees can discuss challenges, concerns, and ideas in a safe and supportive environment.

• Performance management: Managers can provide feedback, set goals, and track progress towards objectives.

• Professional development: Discussions can focus on learning and growth opportunities, including skill development and career aspirations.

• Building trust and rapport: Regular 1:1 meetings strengthen relationships between managers and employees. It doesn’t have to be all business all the time. Connecting with the human behind the employee gives you a better understanding of values, drive, ambition, wishes, motivators.

Benefits of Effective 1:1 Meetings

When conducted effectively, 1:1 meetings offer a multitude of benefits for both managers and employees:

• Increased Employee Engagement: Employees who feel heard and valued are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

• Improved Performance: Regular feedback and goal setting can lead to better performance outcomes.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Open communication allows for early identification and resolution of issues.

• Boosted Morale: A supportive environment fosters a sense of well-being and job satisfaction.

• Early Identification of Challenges: 1:1 meetings can uncover potential issues before they escalate.

• Stronger Talent Retention: Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay with the company.

Structuring Effective 1:1 Meetings

Here are some key steps to structure productive and engaging 1:1 meetings:

• Schedule Regular Meetings: Establish a consistent schedule for 1:1 meetings, such as weekly or bi-weekly.

• Set a Clear Agenda: Collaborate with your team member to create an agenda that addresses their needs and priorities.

• Focus on Active Listening: Give your employee your undivided attention and encourage open communication.

• Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer specific and actionable feedback for improvement and growth.

• Set SMART Goals: Work together to define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.

• Follow Up on Action Items: Hold each other accountable by tracking progress on defined goals and action items.

• Track it over time: Follow the development of expressed concerns, wishes, requests, etc. to make sure things happen and your direct report also feels valued, supported, accountable.

Beyond the Basics: Fostering a Safe Space

Creating a truly effective 1:1 meeting environment goes beyond structure. Here are some additional tips:

• Maintain Confidentiality: Assure your team member that discussions will be kept confidential unless there's a legal or ethical obligation to disclose information.

• Embrace Openness: Encourage honest feedback from your team member, even if it's critical.

• Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate achievements, big or small. And don’t let the lights dim before you do, in other words: don’t wait forever, it kills the effect.

• Be Flexible: Adapt the meeting format to address your team member's individual needs and preferences.

• Show Genuine Interest: Be genuinely interested in your employee's well-being, both professionally and personally.
  Human 1st, Manager 2nd.

Is there a format and how do I track 1:1 meetings?

I put together 1:1 meeting templates that you can track over time per direct report. You can find it in my new manager Notion workbook.

By investing time and effort into effective 1:1 meetings, you can unlock a powerful tool for boosting employee engagement, fostering a positive work environment, and ultimately driving team and organizational success.