When managing people, there are various tools and techniques to keep a team running smoothly. However, few are as critical, yet often underestimated, as the 1:1 meeting. These sessions are the lifeblood of a strong manager-employee relationship.
These sessions should be more than just status check-ins. They should be a confidential space, where team members can share their challenges, concerns, aspirations, and ideas. Where they can speak freely. They are an opportunity to better understand the individual, their motivations, and their journey and for you to recognise, nurture, and foster individual potential.
Beyond the individual, 1:1s offer unique insights into the pulse of your team. You will find they can be an early alert system, helping you spot potential issues before they escalate.
Every Staff Member Deserves Quality 1:1s
1:1s are more than just a check-in on work progress. They represent a unique opportunity for staff members to feel heard, understood, and valued.
- Identifying Potential Challenges: One of the hallmarks of effective management is proactive problem-solving. Regular 1:1s allow managers to spot issues before they escalate, be it a minor workflow hiccup or a budding interpersonal conflict.
- Nurturing Growth and Ambition: For many employees, 1:1s are a rare opportunity to discuss their career trajectory, professional aspirations, and personal development. It’s a space to align personal goals with team objectives.
- Building Trust and Transparency: Authenticity in 1:1s fosters trust. When staff members believe their concerns, ideas, and feelings are genuinely valued, they’re more likely to approach challenges with a proactive and positive mindset.
How you can ensure that 1:1s are effective
The quality of 1:1 meetings is directly tied to their effectiveness.
- Prepare: Before the session, check back on any notes you took last time. Ensure you have followed up on items you said you would. Think about any topics you might want to discuss with your team member.
- Listen: This is the manager’s time to listen more and speak less. Ensure that the conversation is driven by the staff member’s agenda, and they are the central voice. This approach doesn’t restrict you from initiating your own topics; choose the right moment after allowing the team member to steer the initial conversation.
- Focus on the Conversation in Real Time: While taking notes can be important, doing so incessantly can be off-putting. If you must jot something down, ensure it’s an action point and let the person know that’s what you are doing.
- Follow-Up: If issues or suggestions arise during 1:1s, act on them. By the next meeting, there should be visible progress or at least feedback. This isn’t just about problem-solving—it’s about showing respect and demonstrating that their voice matters.
- Be Consistent: Regularity in 1:1s sends a message: “You are important.” Inconsistent meetings can undermine trust and diminish the perceived importance of these sessions. Consistency is key. I can confirm from experience that if these sessions start to be cancelled its a massive red flag that you as a manager are becoming disengaged.
How 1:1s Benefit a Manager
While 1:1s are undeniably valuable for staff members, there is a lot of value in them for a manager who puts the time in.
- Better Team Dynamics: By understanding individual motivations and challenges, managers can foster a team environment that plays to everyone’s strengths.
- Informed Decision-making: With insights from 1:1s, managers are equipped to make decisions that are not only strategically sound but also empathetic.
- Enhanced Job Satisfaction: When staff members feel heard and valued, it leads to increased job satisfaction, which in turn boosts team morale and productivity.
In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, whether in-office or remote, the significance of 1:1s remains consistent. Managers aiming for excellence should recognise 1:1s as an essential aspect of their role, not just a box to be ticked off.
For some, these sessions will come easier than for others. If you are having these sessions and they dont appear to be very effective, give it some time. Persevere. Keep prioritising the sessions and keep adhering to the principles above. Over time, trust will build, conversations will become more free flowing and the benefits will start to appear.