One-on-one (1:1) meetings are essential for managers and team leaders. These regular check-ins provide opportunities to build relationships, exchange feedback, align on goals, address problems early, and coach team members.
Set a regular rhythm and stick to it. To begin, set a consistent cadence for your 1:1s, such as weekly or biweekly. Avoid canceling or rescheduling unless necessary. This consistency builds trust and shows your team that they are a priority. Consider scheduling 1:1s for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the employee's seniority. Calendar invites should go out well in advance so everyone can prepare. Set an agenda, but leave room for exploration. An agenda lends structure to the conversation and signals that this is an intentional meeting, not just a chitchat. Share the agenda ahead of time so you both have an opportunity to add discussion topics. However, don't pack the agenda too tightly or stick to it rigidly. Leave adequate space for open dialogue and for new issues to surface. Provide a rough time budget for each item to keep the conversation moving. Make it a two-way dialogue. The days of the boss lecturing an employee are gone. Today's meetings should involve a balanced, two-way conversation between managers and team members. Come prepared with things you want to discuss, but let your employees freely share their views. Aim for a ratio where your employee does 60-70% of the talking, and you do 30-40%. Listen attentively. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions.
[
add
]
[
|
|
...
]