Introduction to “Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings”

Every day, somewhere between 200 and 500 million one-on-one meetings take place around the world. That’s roughly $1.25 billion invested daily in these crucial conversations. Yet despite this massive investment of time and resources, most of these meetings fall short of their transformative potential. They become routine check-ins, perfunctory status updates, or worse—dreaded obligations that both managers and team members endure rather than embrace.

What if there was a better way? What if these meetings could become the most energizing and impactful moments of your workweek?

In “Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings,” Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg—the world’s leading expert on workplace meetings—reveals how to unlock the extraordinary power hidden within these everyday conversations. Drawing from 20 years of rigorous research, interviews with top leaders from respected companies worldwide, and evidence-based insights, this groundbreaking book transforms how we think about and conduct one-on-one meetings.

Why This Book Matters Now

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, where remote work, hybrid teams, and digital communication dominate, the human connection fostered through quality one-on-one time has never been more critical. 1:1s are arguably one of the most critical meeting types for the success of team members, managers, coaches, teams, and organizations. The best managers recognize that 1:1s are not an add-on to their role as a manager.

Dr. Rogelberg challenges a fundamental misconception: that one-on-ones are just another meeting to add to your calendar. Instead, he demonstrates that conducting effective 1:1s is management—it’s leadership in action, relationship-building, and performance optimization all rolled into one powerful practice.

What You’ll Discover

This isn’t just another management book filled with theoretical concepts. “Glad We Met” provides a comprehensive, science-backed blueprint for revolutionizing your one-on-one meetings through:

Strategic Foundation Building

• Why effective 1:1s are critical to both individual and team success
• How to message and position these meetings for maximum impact
• Finding the optimal cadence and duration to maximize benefits without over-meeting

Intentional Design and Execution

• Creating purposeful agendas that balance productivity, relationship-building, and development
• Mastering essential coaching skills including facilitation, active listening, and feedback delivery
• Personalizing your approach to fit different personalities and working styles

Advanced Leadership Techniques

• Managing the delicate balance between support and accountability
• Leveraging 1:1s as powerful tools for employee engagement and retention
• Building psychological safety and trust through authentic conversations

A Book for Every Leader

Whether you’re a first-time manager learning the ropes, a seasoned executive looking to refine your approach, or a team member wanting to make the most of your 1:1 time, this book offers valuable insights. Direct reports also have an equal and crucial role in ensuring that 1:1 meetings effectively deliver benefits and value to themselves by facilitating the exchange of ideas with their manager.

The research is clear: organizations with engaged employees see 23% higher profitability, 18% higher productivity, and 12% better customer metrics. Quality one-on-one meetings are a direct pathway to this engagement, yet they remain one of the most underutilized tools in a leader’s toolkit.

The Promise of Transformation

Glad We Met will make managers and direct reports walk away from every 1:1 energized more than any other moment of their workweek and with enduring impact. This isn’t hyperbole—it’s the result of applying decades of organizational psychology research to one of the most fundamental aspects of workplace relationships.

As you dive into this book, prepare to see your one-on-one meetings not as administrative necessities, but as golden opportunities to inspire, develop, and connect with the people who drive your organization’s success. After all, in a world where meaningful human connection is increasingly rare, there’s something profoundly powerful about being able to say at the end of each meeting: “I’m glad we met.”