Mastering the Art of Effective 1on1's: A Guide for Managers

One-on-ones are the lifeblood of any team, and if effective teams happen at all, they require strong manager/employee relationships. Effective 1on1’s require thoughtful planning and good listening. First, you need to create a habit, and the way to do that is to pitch regular meetings so your co-workers know you are committed. Focus on open-ended questions to understand what your team members are aiming for, what challenges they’re facing, and any feedback they want to share during these meetings. Creating a safe space, where employees can share their honest insights is critical.

In order to build great 1on1’s, always refer back to previous discussions, follow up on action items, and give constructive feedback. Instead, such meetings should be customized for each need and not generic policy. Keep in mind that the whole point of knowing how to run a good 1on1 is really just to build trust, better communicate and find growth areas. These sessions, when done correctly, act as great tools to engage employees and develop their career growth.

To recap, learning how to have effective 1on1’s can be a major boost to team dynamic and productivity. Managers who invest the time and energy in these meetings will see they have more cohesive, engaged teams prepared for high performance.