From Wasteful to Wonderful: 10 Tips for Making Your One-on-One Meetings Exceptional

Cancel all your meetings except this one.

Most meetings are a waste of people’s time. They often lack a purpose, agenda, or detailed action items once the meeting concludes. But, the one-on-one meeting is the most crucial meeting a leader will regularly have.

It’s a pivotal way to learn about individuals on your team (everyone is different) while ensuring alignment on the key results they were hired to produce.

Here are ten simple tips to apply to all your one-on-ones:

• Discuss progress on key KPIs! This is the time to not only set the standards, but also to audit and recalibrate the standards.
• A direct report sets 75% of the 1:1 agenda.
• Always come prepared for the specific topics you want to discuss.
• Encourage open communication: People should never be “scared” to communicate.
• Provide feedback in a helpful and supportive way.
• Address any concerns or issues.
• Mentor and coach the employee on a personal and professional level.
• Always follow up on action items.
• Provide clear instructions and next steps.