5 tips to improve your 1:1

Note from Yann: ?? Hey readers! I’m Yann, every week, I'll share my practical insights from my management playbook. Today is just a quick list of tips on how to turn your 1:1 from "okay" to "great".

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As a manager, one-on-one meetings is our more powerful tool. ???

You get to connect with your team, guide them, and support their growth. It's also productivity booster, saving time, improving alignment and execution.

In a nutshell: it drives performance and team retention. ??

But, not all one-on-ones are created equal.

Some rock, while others...well, let's just say they need a makeover. ??

???? Wondering how to tell the difference? Ask yourself:

"How happy would I be if this 1:1 was canceled? And what about my employee?"

The answers will reveal all!

?? Here are my top 5 tips to improve your one-on-ones:

1?? Schedule Them, Weekly

??? Mark your calendars for your one-on-one meetings.

They're the most important meeting of your week!

By scheduling them weekly, you make sure they happen regularly and become a part of your weekly routine.

?? Never cancel or double-book them. In case of conflict, reschedule them immediately. But keep it in the same week.

Why weekly? See my post below.

It fits our planning process and helps us remember and prioritize. ??

Regular check-ins keep small issues from becoming big problems. ??

2?? 10-10-10 Structure

The generic golden structure of an effective 1:1 is 10 minutes for your direct report, 10 minutes for you, and 10 minutes to discuss future goals.

In that order. ?

In total it is 30 minutes. More is useless.

I've noticed that one-on-one meetings without a clear plan often end up with the manager talking almost 90% of the time. ??

But these meetings are meant for employees to share what's on their mind. ??

So let's give the employees the floor first! ???

They should have as much time as they need to discuss what's important to them. Only them can break the 10-minutes rule!

Remember, as the manager, you can always address your points later during the week. ??

Also, starting with their agenda sets their tone and helps boost their confidence and engagement right from the start. ??

3?? Content That Counts

In their 10-minute meeting, your team members can talk about anything they want.

They want to share weekend plans? ??♀?

The latest project news? ??

Show off their cute cat? ??

Give them your full attention.

Listen actively, ask questions, and show that you care. ??

If it's important to them, it's important to you. ??

Letting your team lead the conversation makes them feel valued and helps you understand their needs better.

I always start with an open vague question to give them the control.

This flexibility demonstrates trust and respect for their perspectives, fostering a deeper connection and more meaningful dialogue.

In your 10-minutes, you can also bring any topics. (?? Hint: it is also the perfect time for feedback).

The last 10-minutes is to talk about the future growth goal and career progression.

It gets sometime compressed due to heavy agenda before, it is okay. But do not make it an habit.

4?? Take Notes

Taking notes in one-on-one meetings is a great way to really listen to your team member and to organize your thoughts. ??

It demonstrates that you care about what they have to say and that you're not just waiting for your turn to talk.

Writing down important info, tasks, and ideas helps you remember them and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. ??

Both parties should follow up on what you talked about during the week. This helps keep the conversation going and makes sure that things get done.

The notes keep everyone accountable. ??

Taking notes in one-on-one meetings helps keep track of what's been discussed and ensures that follow-up happens. ???

5?? Keep It Light

Keep the tone casual and the atmosphere light. ??

One-on-one is here to build a relationship between people.

A relaxed conversation encourages openness and honesty, making it easier to tackle tough topics and celebrate successes. ??

One way to start it is to choose a “semi-private” space.

??♂? Do not book a conference room.

??♂? Do not invite them to your private office.

These are too strict.

Opt for a semi-private space that allows for open, yet confidential conversations.

A change of scenery, like a nearby café or a walk around the block, might just be the refresh your meetings need. ??

Wrap Up

1:1 is the most powerful tool of a manager. Optimise it usage.

Want to make your 1:1 meetings more than just a boring obligation?

These 5 tips will help you transform them from boring obligation into exciting, productive, and enjoyable hangouts.

?? About you: Let’s learn from each other.

Do you have a secret ingredient that makes 1:1 more effective?

Share your stories, tips, or questions below in the comments. ????

Note from Yann: ?? Hey folks! Thanks for reading. This was the 6th edition, I am still experimenting. Tweaking the style and the content.

Please comment below to share feedback so I can improve.

If you feel that my content is useful, share it to someone that can benefit from it.

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