The Behaviour Shift

Thought-leadership and insights about your people

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In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy for one-on-one meetings to fall by the wayside. However, as I discuss in this edition of my LinkedIn newsletter, Less Fluff, More Frequent Stuff! Power UP with 1:1 Conversations, these short, focused conversations are crucial for team development, engagement, and overall success.

A Gallup study revealed that only 16% of employees found their last conversation with a manager to be meaningful. This statistic is alarming given the critical role 1:1s play in personal development and long-term engagement. But why do these meetings fail? Inconsistency, lack of focus, and leader-dominated conversations are just a few reasons.

What is a 1:1 meeting? It’s a short, individual conversation between a leader and a team member, driven by the team member’s needs and focused on their personal development. It’s not about projects or company goals—it’s about them.

So, what makes 1:1s so powerful?

1. Building Connection: These meetings strengthen relationships between leaders and team members. They foster trust, which is essential for open communication, engagement, and long-term success.

2. Valuing Your Team: When people feel heard and valued, they are more productive and loyal. A 1:1 signals that their development matters.

3. Momentum for Change: Regular 1:1s keep the focus on personal growth. Frequent conversations about progress make achieving growth easier.

4. Real-Time Feedback: Particularly for younger generations, receiving feedback immediately is essential. They don’t want to wait six months for a review.

To make these meetings effective, it’s important to let the team member drive the agenda, stick to the time allocated, and provide honest, constructive feedback. Consistency is key—frequent, shorter 1:1s are more effective than occasional deep dives.

The benefits of these meetings aren’t just for your team. As a leader, 1:1s offer you the chance to stay in tune with your team’s needs, sharpen your leadership skills, and handle difficult conversations more confidently.

Regular, meaningful 1:1s build a culture of feedback and growth. In a world where employee engagement drives performance, these conversations are essential to unlocking your team’s potential.

For more on how to implement effective 1:1 meetings, read the full article on LinkedIn.

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