1-1’s, touch base, sync’s… whatever you call it
…. they are important.
These regular, dedicated conversations play a pivotal role in enhancing employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.
One of the primary benefits of 1-1 meetings is their ability to build trust and camaraderie between your and your team members. In a world where employees often crave personal connections and a sense of belonging, these meetings offer a dedicated space for open and honest conversations. Establishing a trusting relationship can lead to increased job satisfaction and a higher level of commitment to the organization.
In a team setting, it can be challenging for you to address each employee's unique needs and concerns. 1-1 meetings provide an opportunity to tailor discussions to the individual, focusing on personal goals, career development, and any challenges they may be facing. This personalized approach can significantly contribute to the professional growth of employees, fostering a sense of value and recognition.
Regular feedback is essential for employee growth and organizational success. 1-1 meetings offer a structured (or maybe unstructured) platform for managers to provide constructive feedback, acknowledging achievements and addressing areas that require improvement. They also allow team members to share what they need from you as their manager, which is just as important. This ongoing dialogue allows for timely adjustments, preventing potential issues from escalating and contributing to continuous performance improvement.
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful organization. This two-way communication fosters a culture of transparency and inclusion, leading to increased employee engagement. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be invested in their work and contribute positively to the organization.
Workplace conflicts and challenges are inevitable, but how they are addressed can make a significant difference. 1-1 meetings provide a private and supportive environment for managers to address conflicts, understand employee perspectives, and work together to find solutions. Proactively addressing issues during these meetings can prevent them from escalating and negatively impacting team dynamics. If you want to learn more about this, let’s chat about Radical Candor by Kim Scott.
Regular check-ins go beyond traditional performance reviews, creating a space for personalized support, open communication, and relationship building. By investing time and effort in these one-on-one interactions, organizations can foster a positive workplace culture, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to long-term success. As the business landscape continues to evolve, prioritizing the human connection through 1-1 meetings will remain a critical factor in building resilient and thriving organizations.
I like a simple structure for my 1-1s, and I usually let the individual tailor it a little to them. But in general, this is my agenda for a weekly agenda:
What projects are you stuck on that I can help move forward?
This is a great place to brainstorm, hear about roadblocks, and answer questions they have.
Updates on projects that are time sensitive or we’ve agreed to stay connected on.
I don’t need to micromanage, and after a while, the team member learns when and how to update me so aren’t wasting time.
What is bringing your energy down this week?
If I can help them, I do; or if I can get rid of this responsibility overall, I do.
What is giving you energy?
File that away for future projects or projects that they could help on now.
The thing that makes 1-1’s most impactful, listen with the intent to understand. Sometimes they just need to vent; sometimes they need you to take action. Your responsibility as a leader is to create an environment that allows them to me as effective as possible.
