What is a One-on-One Meeting and Why is it Important?

A one-on-one meeting is a scheduled conversation between a manager and an employee, with the purpose of discussing feedback, development needs, and progress towards goals. These meetings provide a dedicated time and space for managers and employees to connect, build rapport, and align on expectations. One-on-one meetings are essential for effective management because they help managers understand the individual needs, strengths, and goals of their employees, and build trust and mutual respect between managers and team members.

How to schedule a One-on-One Meeting?

When scheduling one-on-one meetings, it's essential to be clear and concise. Managers should provide enough time for the meeting, and allow the employee to suggest a different time if needed. It's important to establish a regular cadence for these meetings, such as weekly or bi-weekly, and to stick to the schedule as much as possible. Managers should include the purpose of the meeting, the agenda or topics to be discussed, the time and duration of the meeting, the location if applicable, and any relevant materials or documents to review beforehand in the invitation.

How to set up the 1:1 Meeting Invite?

When setting up a one-on-one meeting invite, managers should provide clear details, including the date, time, and location. Employees should also be allowed to suggest agenda items to be discussed during the meeting. Managers should ensure they provide enough time for the meeting and establish a regular cadence for these meetings, such as weekly or bi-weekly, and stick to the schedule as much as possible. The invitation should also include the purpose of the meeting, the agenda or topics to be discussed, the time and duration of the meeting, the location, if applicable, and any relevant materials or documents to review beforehand.

What is Active Listening During a One-On-One Meeting?

Active listening is an essential component of conducting effective one-on-one meetings. It involves giving your employee your full attention and showing that you're actively listening to what they have to say. This means putting aside any distractions, such as your phone or email, and focusing on the person in front of you. To actively listen, you can use nonverbal cues such as nodding your head, maintaining eye contact, and leaning forward. You can also repeat back what the employee has said to demonstrate that you understand their perspective. Active listening not only helps you better understand your employee's perspective, but it also helps build trust and rapport.

How to Provide Actionable Feedback During 1:1 Meetings?

To provide actionable feedback during 1:1 meetings, it's important to be timely, specific, and constructive. Feedback should be provided as close to the event as possible, be specific about what you're praising or what needs improvement, and be constructive, not critical. Plan how you're going to deliver the feedback, and make sure it's clear and concise. Provide a few examples to illustrate your feedback, and focus on what your employee can do to improve rather than what they did wrong.

How to conduct an Effective One-on-One?

To conduct an effective one-on-one meeting, active listening is essential. It involves giving your employee your full attention and showing that you're actively listening to what they have to say. Ask open-ended questions that encourage employees to share their thoughts and feelings, and provide actionable feedback. Address development needs during one-on-one meetings with employees, and if an employee is resistant to feedback, try to understand their perspective and find ways to help them receive feedback positively.

High-Performing Teams

Man with a blue hoodie and a woman with a brown jacket having a one on one meeting in front of a silver laptop.

One-On-One Meeting: Conducting Effective 1:1s With Employees

Elevate one-on-one meetings with employees with these expert tips for conducting them effectively and improving your team’s development.

Women and men that are part of a team at work celebrating some high-performance work around a silver laptop in the office.

Characteristics Of High Performing Teams: Building High Functioning Teams At Work

Boost your team’s impact fast with these high-performing team characteristics. Learn the best implementation strategies for success.