When done correctly, one-on-ones have the potential to greatly enhance team productivity, morale and engagement, so, let's begin with the basics. What exactly is a one-on-one meeting?
A one-on-one (or 1:1) meeting is a frequent check-in between two people in a company, usually a supervisor and an employee. It's intended to provide input, keep each other informed, manage problems and help employees to advance in their professions.
What makes the 1:1 unique is its unrestricted, employee-focused character, which goes beyond status updates. It's generally regarded as the most crucial meeting in your calendar, as it establishes the groundwork for a fruitful, trusting working relationship.
What's the point of a one-on-one meeting?
I believe in a hierarchical communication model for all aspects of an organisation. The weekly one-on-one is a crucial element of that communication strategy. One-on-one meetings are crucial because they:
Strengthen relationships
Keep you and your employees informed
Help to detect (and prevent) problems
Employee-related benefits
Employees benefit from 1:1 meetings because they receive the feedback and direction they need to succeed in their jobs and develop in their careers. As their boss, you become a partner in their development by listening to them and providing timely suggestions.
Advantages to managers
One-on-ones help you to guide the growth of your team members, resolve difficulties early on and increase employee retention.
You must interact and bond with each person you manage, to release their potential. There is no quick way to make genuine connections. Focused one-on-one interactions provide the room and confidence needed to guarantee that you know what's on your team members' minds – and that you can respond in a way that keeps them happy and productive.
Benefits to the company
The commitment that managers put into engaging with their team members determines whether or not the company succeeds. So, in addition to benefiting individuals, a healthy 1:1 meeting culture is also good for your company's financial bottom line.
TAKEAWAY: Apart from the link between manager performance and business success, frequent 1:1 meetings are an excellent way to boost employee engagement. Employees are considerably more involved in your company when they have the opportunity to ask their management questions about where the company is going and how their job fits into the greater picture.
Employee engagement is a well-known predictor of employee retention and productivity.