In this brief video, MIT Sloan Management Review contributing editor Leslie Brokaw unlocks the secret to more effective and enjoyable one-on-one meetings:
- Meet more often: Having weekly one-on-ones helps employees feel better about these meetings. A predictable schedule can also reduce feelings of dread.
- Align on goals: Understanding individual needs helps in setting expectations and desired outcomes, which reduces anxiety and improves meeting effectiveness.
- Encourage two-way agenda setting: Use a consistent topic list focused on employee growth, allowing the employee to guide the discussion. Managers should ask five key questions:
- What’s going well?
- Where can I help?
- What are your top priorities these days?
- Is there anything new or upcoming you’d like to put on my radar?
- How are you feeling outside of work?
- Focus on outcomes, not process: Empower employees by communicating clear goals and allowing them to complete tasks in their own way, fostering psychological safety.
- Follow up: Managers should take notes and be accountable for completing action items before the next meeting to build trust.