How are your 1:1s?

What a bad 1:1 looks like:

- There is no agenda.
- The meeting is rushed and unfocused.
- You're both constantly checking your phones or laptops during the meeting.
- The conversation jumps from topic to topic without any clear direction or purpose.
- You dominate the conversation, leaving your direct report feeling unheard and undervalued.
- The meeting ends without any clear takeaways or follow-up actions.

What a good 1:1 looks like:

- There is an agenda set in advance by your direct report.
- The meeting is well-prepared and focused.
- You're both fully present and give one another undivided attention.
- You listen actively and encourage your direct report to share their perspectives, ideas, goals, and concerns.
- Your direct report drives conversation, and you ask questions for understanding.
- The meeting ends with clear action items and next steps.

Next time you have a 1:1, ask yourself, is it a good one or a bad one?

By investing in regular, productive 1:1 meetings with your direct reports, you foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.