The Power of Regular 1:1 Check-ins: Leadership Beyond Status Updates
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." — George Bernard Shaw
As a High-Performance Coach & Engineering Manager, I’ve seen firsthand how regular 1:1 check-ins can make or break a team. Great leadership is not about managing projects—it’s about empowering people.
Yet, many leaders fall into the trap of assuming that their team feels heard, supported, and valued—when, in reality, communication gaps persist.
Being a leader is like being a gardener. You can’t just plant a seed and hope it grows into a strong tree. You must nurture, water, and be present every day to help it flourish. The same applies to your team. ??
Why Are 1:1 Check-ins So Crucial?
Too often, leaders treat 1:1s as just another status update meeting. But in reality, these conversations should be so much more—they are the foundation of trust, growth, and engagement.
Here’s what effective 1:1s enable you to do:
? Understand challenges before they escalate.
? Exchange ideas & feedback in an open, trusted space.
? Provide career & personal growth guidance beyond immediate deliverables.
? Build genuine connections—not just transactional conversations.
? Create a psychologically safe environment where team members can share their struggles.
My Approach to 1:1s as a Leader
One of the most important questions I ask in every 1:1 is:
?? “What are you learning currently?”
At first, some team members may not like this question. They may see it as irrelevant to their daily tasks. But over time, they come to realize its significance. As leaders, we must plant the seed of continuous learning and career growth—even if it takes time for individuals to appreciate its value.
Excerpt from The Trillion Dollar Coach
"Your title makes you a manager. Your people make you a leader."
Bill Campbell emphasized that leadership is built through relationships, not authority. He believed that regular 1:1 meetings were one of the most important tools a leader had. His approach to 1:1s was simple but powerful:
Campbell coached top leaders at Google, Apple, and Intuit, and they all credited his habit of deep, meaningful 1:1 conversations as the key to unlocking trust, engagement, and high performance in teams.
Common 1:1 Challenges & How to Overcome Them
?? Some team members are uninterested in regular check-ins.
Solution: Even if they don’t seem eager, do not miss the opportunity to understand their struggles. Keep the check-ins meaningful and adapt your approach to fit their communication style.
?? Some employees don’t take learning discussions seriously.
Solution: Many people focus on short-term deliverables, neglecting long-term career growth. Leaders must persevere in these discussions—even if the impact is not immediate.
?? Performance concerns are often discussed too late.
Solution: Leaders should provide timely feedback—both positive and constructive. Delaying tough conversations only makes them harder.
?? Team members hesitate to open up.
Solution: Build trust over time. Show genuine care, share your own challenges, and create a safe space for dialogue.
What I Have Learned from 1:1s
?? Over the years, my 1:1s have been filled with frustrations, career dilemmas, accountability challenges, and even personal struggles.
?? I’ve witnessed tears due to stress, pushback on tasks, and frustration with me as a leader. ?? I’ve also celebrated career wins, personal breakthroughs, and success stories.
?? These conversations have shaped me as a leader and taught me as much as I have taught my team.
Call to Action for Leaders & Future Leaders:
Start today. Your leadership impact is built in these moments. ??
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