Running Effective 1:1 Meetings

1:1 meetings aren’t status updates. They’re your most powerful leadership tool.

Done well, they build trust, strengthen retention, boost productivity, and give your team a consistent space to feel heard and supported. Done poorly—or skipped altogether—they turn into a missed opportunity that erodes connection and performance.

Culture: Consistency Builds Trust

Effective 1:1s create a culture of open communication, alignment, and psychological safety. When employees know they’ll have dedicated time with their manager, they feel supported—and more likely to raise concerns before they become real issues.

At Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg was known for taking 1:1s seriously. She used them to listen deeply, remove roadblocks, and coach her team—earning their loyalty and respect.

✅ Strategy: Schedule recurring 1:1s and treat them as non-negotiable. Canceling sends the message that your team isn’t a priority.

Retention: Employees Stay When They Feel Seen

People don’t just want a job—they want a manager who cares about their growth. 1:1s are your chance to show it.

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, regularly met with high-potential employees to understand their goals and challenges. Her investment in their careers kept top talent engaged—and set a tone of development across the organization.

✅ Strategy: Use part of every 1:1 to talk about the person—not just the work. Ask about goals, frustrations, and ideas.

Productivity: Clarity Comes from Conversation

When 1:1s are used to align on priorities and solve roadblocks, they increase output across the team. They prevent misunderstandings, surface hidden blockers, and reinforce expectations.

✅ Strategy: Start each meeting with: “What’s most important to talk about today?” Let your direct report lead—and listen more than you speak.

How to Run Better 1:1s

✅ Show up prepared—review goals, notes, and recent wins or challenges
✅ Ask open-ended questions—encourage depth, not surface-level updates
✅ Follow through—track action items and revisit them

Don’t:
❌ Turn them into status meetings
❌ Cancel them regularly
❌ Dominate the conversation

1:1 meetings aren’t just about communication.
They’re about connection—and the consistency of great leadership.