WHY 1-ON-1 CONVERSATIONS MATTER

I remember a manager I had many years ago who dedicated regular time to his 1-on-1’s with his team members.

Lee and I connected on playing football and fitness so sometimes we went for a run at lunchtimes. Those focussed times were instrumental in helping me back myself in the new role I took up to managing the team.

In our increasingly tech-driven world, 1-on-1’s are still crucial for building relationships and solving problems.

Here’s why they still matter:

Personal Touch - they help build stronger connections by making each person feel heard and valued

Focused Dialogue - allows for a more tailored and direct exchange of ideas in a dedicated time slot; whether that be fortnightly or monthly

Coaching - offers the leader the opportunity and space to ask open questions and help the individual find solutions

Feedback - provides an opportunity for regular positive and corrective feedback

Ownership – it allows for the individual to determine how the 1-on-1 flows and what gets discussed. Part of the time you’ll share your thoughts, but most of it is better to be guided by their preferences.

I’m not sure I’d attempt to do these while running now but I remember how connected I felt with that manager because of the rapport we had built.

How could you better connect to the individuals in your team during your 1-on-1 Conversations with them?

Photo credit: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash