One-on-one meetings are often overlooked or undervalued in the business world. Yet, their impact on employee performance and organisational success cannot be overstated. In this blog, we’ll delve into the undisputed benefits of mastering 1:1 meetings and explore why they are a critical tool for every leader.

Benefits of 1:1 Meetings

To illustrate the power of one-on-one meetings, let me share a personal anecdote. Back in the year 2000, I found myself tasked with a daunting challenge: running workshops for senior personnel, despite having little experience in such things. What helped me through this trial was the meetings I had with my project manager. His coaching, support, and confidence in my abilities not only guided me through the process but also boosted my confidence. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that “the best outcome is always on the other side of a genuine conversation.”

These are the undeniable advantages of one-on-one meetings:

• Increased employee engagement
• Enhanced communication
• Personalised support and development
• Increased productivity and performance
• Stronger relationships
• Early identification of issues
• Enhanced accountability
• Adaptability in all working environments

Research & Case Studies

One-on-one meetings are the most effective way to maximise the performance of your employees and deliver consistent results! They are even more important in ‘work from home’ and hybrid office environments. These meetings are the most powerful leadership tool you have as a business owner because you can’t achieve the results you really want without mastering this skill.

Research and studies from large companies further validate the significance of 1:1 meetings:

• Employees are three times more likely to be engaged at work (Gallup).
• Increased productivity and profitability by 20%, reduced turnover, and lowered safety issues (Gallup).
• Lack of one-on-one meetings correlates with employee disengagement and negative perceptions of leadership (Gallup).
• A 30% reduction in turnover for Adobe and a fivefold productivity increase within 12 months for GE (Microsoft Workplace Analytics team, Harvard Business Review).

Do’s and Don’ts

To revisit the question: how can you maximise employee performance and ensure consistent results without dedicated, focused time each week? The answer is simple: YOU CAN’T. Regular one-on-one meetings are essential for maintaining high performance and consistency. Here are some tips to make the most of them:

Do’s:

1. Be Consistent: Schedule regular meetings, whether weekly or fortnightly, and stick to them.
2. Be Prepared: Come prepared with topics to discuss, but also be flexible to address what your employee needs from the meeting.
3. Listen: This is your chance to really hear what your employees have to say, understand their challenges, and celebrate their successes.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Treat It Like a Tick-Box Exercise: The focus should be on the quality of conversation, not just going through the motions.
2. Don’t Avoid Difficult Conversations: Use these meetings as an opportunity to tackle tough topics in a supportive environment.
3. Don’t Forget the Follow-Up: Always recap action items and follow up on them in subsequent meetings to show progress and accountability.

Mastering One-on-one Meetings

Growing as a leader is a journey, and getting one-on-one meetings right is a big part of it. Whether you’re just starting or want to get better, it’s time to take action. Start by scheduling regular meetings, preparing well, and listening closely. Your leadership skills and your business will thank you.

If you’re not already doing these meetings with your team, start now—whether it’s every week or every two weeks. And if you’re already doing them, think about one thing you could improve and give it a try.

Join The Waitlist

Be the first notified when the doors open to our inaugural ‘Master One-on-One Meetings’ program. I’ll teach you the complete A to Z system of how to use one-on-one meetings to maximise the performance of your employees and deliver consistent results. 

Go to leaderbydesign.au/waitlist and sign up today!

Listen to the full podcast here: Episode 3: One-on-One Meetings Are a Game-Changer!