The Art of the One-on-One: Unlocking Team Potential Through Meaningful Dialogue

In today's complex role of leadership, the true art lies not just in managing teams but in genuinely connecting with each team member. A growing body of research supports the notion that leaders who engage in regular, meaningful one-on-one sessions with their team members foster environments of higher productivity and engagement.

Prioritize One on Ones

Let's face it every leader I have talked to says that they are short on time and have too many commitments. The art of prioritizing is definitely needed to be an effective leader today. One of the key components of being a successful leader today and in the future is making your people promises your number one priority. If you are focused on 'people first' as far as helping people learn, grow and succeed you will find that you are increasing your teams skills which in turn helps you to leverage them for overall team success. Its an investment in helping all of your other priorities fall into place.

The Power of Quality Interactions

The difference between a functional team and an exceptional one often boils down to how valued a team member feels. This feeling of value doesn't stem from the frequency of meetings but from their quality. Employees need to feel heard, seen, and genuinely appreciated. This doesn’t just benefit the morale; it directly enhances individual and team performance.

Starting on the Right Note

Every impactful one-on-one begins with a casual check-in. Asking something as simple as, "How has your week been so far?" or "How is Emily doing since she started school?" can set a tone of care and attentiveness. This initial touchpoint can ease into more profound discussions, providing a comfortable space for open communication.

The Power of Vulnerability

In her book, Atlas of the Heart , author Brene Brown speaks to the power of being real, raw and authentic in our interactions. In the past many of us have led with a leadership persona versus showing our true selves in the workplace. Just the other day I had a coach client and she asked how my morning was going and I said, "Full disclosure I am feeling a bit tired because I was up early for my workout class and now I am feeling it". My client laughed and said, "Ok full disclosure I am feeling a bit out of sorts with something, can I share it?" This exchange was real and open and led to a far more meaningful dialogue than if we had kept it to 'business' only.

Always Asking About Growth Opportunities

A pivotal aspect of one-on-ones is exploring and supporting the employee’s aspirations for growth. Often as a leader we may only ask an employee a question about their growth when its time for an upcoming performance review. However, its crucial that we are consistently asking what their goals are and frequently. It's important to ask probing questions like, "What skills would you like to develop?" or "What kind of projects do you wish to lead?" These inquiries not only help leaders tailor support according to individual team members' career goals but also signals a genuine interest in their personal development.

Creating a Feedback Loop

Constructive feedback is the cornerstone of developmental communication. Encouraging a two-way feedback loop where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts about you as the leader, the team and their own experiences enhances trust and transparency. For example, asking, "How can I better support you?" or "How do you think we should approach this upcoming project?" not only helps in adjusting your leadership approach but also empowers employees to take an active role in their professional journey.

Leveraging Technology

One on one's done virtually can be just as powerful as an in person one on one. When having one on one's through Zoom or Teams ensure you give the employee your full attention. Of course in all one on ones that are held virtually the camera must be on. In addition in today’s digital age, leveraging technology to keep track of discussions and follow-ups is essential. Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or AI meeting tools can be used to document key points from meetings, set reminders for follow-ups, and monitor the progress of agreed-upon actions. This not only helps in maintaining a clear record but also ensures accountability and consistency.

Recognizing the Individual

Every team member is unique, with different needs, aspirations, and ways of communicating. Tailoring your approach to fit each individual’s style and preferences can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your one-on-ones. This is where we can leverage our knowledge of personality styles through tools such as DISC, or Myers-Briggs to ensure we truly understand the diverse personalities of our team members. Knowing that some employees may prefer a more direct style, and others a more open and forthcoming style, while still others might value a more reflective approach. Recognizing and adapting to these differences is crucial in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Consistency is the Differentiator

Many leaders get caught up in the tasks or the projects that they have on the go. Some can postpone one on ones, or worse reschedule them. The challenge with postponing or rescheduling is that it signals to the employee that they are not as important as the other items you have on the go. Consistency in holding one-on-ones cannot be overstated. Regularly scheduled meetings signal reliability and commitment to your team’s development. This consistent engagement helps in building stronger relationships, ensuring ongoing support, and reinforcing the culture of open communication and mutual respect.

Celebrating Them

End your one on ones with recognition of how far they have come, acknowledge an area where you have seen them grow. Celebrate their contributions to the team. Celebrating milestones and achievements during one-on-ones can greatly boost morale and motivation. Acknowledging both small wins and major accomplishments makes employees feel valued and part of a winning team. Whether it’s completing a challenging project or improving a skill, each milestone is an opportunity to inspire and reinforce positive behaviors.