How to Make 1 to 1 Meetings More Impactful

Do you feel that you are not getting enough out of your 1 to 1 meeting? Employee engagement is not as simple as it seems, and, according to a study by Gallup, only 15% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work. Holding regular 1 to 1 meetings are an effectivetool for boosting employee engagement as well as building a stronger relationship between manager and employee However, if you feel like your team is losing motivation and underperforming, you are not alone. In this blog article, we will dive into simple steps on how to make 1 to 1 meetings more impactful, resulting in better team performance.

The importance of 1 to 1 meetings for team success

Effective 1 to 1 meetings are a crucial component for the success of the whole team. Holding regular 1 on 1 meetings is a useful method for managers to build relationships, enhance communication, and keep their employees aligned with organizational goals. One-on-one sessions can indicate potential roadblocks that can hinder your employees' performance. In addition, by regularly checking in with team members, managers can offer coaching and support that can increase employee productivity and motivation. Therefore, if you want to have a high-performing team, you should mark one-on-one meetings as a top priority!

Start by preparing for a 1 on 1 meeting

1 to 1 meetings have enormous benefits not only for productivity and performance but also for employees' mental wealth. These meetings should provide a safe environment for your team members to discuss any workplace challenges or issues.

To get the most out of your 1 to 1 meetings, begin by establishing objectives and creating a meeting agenda that includes the topics and questions you want to cover. When discussing difficult or sensitive topics, make sure to allow enough time for the conversation and prioritize active listening and empathy. These tips will assist you in preparing for a productive 1 to 1 meeting that will leave your employees feeling heard, valued, and motivated.

Strategies for having effective 1:1 meetings

One-on-one sessions are not only important for the success of the team, but they are also important for developing relationships between a manager and an employee. However, it’s important that you prepare for your one-on-ones. Failing to prepare will result in unfruitful meetings and falling short of your goals. To prepare well for 1 on 1 meetings, here are some tips that you can use:

• Have a plan: a well-structured meeting will yield significantly better outcomes. However, the plan should be prepared before the meeting takes place so that both employee and manager have a chance to take a look.
• Prepare some open-ended questions: these questions will encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas, allowing you to better understand them.
• Provide regular updates: your employees should stay updated about their current progress and performance.
• Celebrate achievements: every victory counts! Take some time to celebrate your employees' achievements before moving to other tasks.
• Set follow-up actions: at the end of each one-on-one session, agree on at least one action item that needs to be completed by the next session.

Furthermore, as a good manager, you should tailor how 1 on 1 meetings will be conducted with each employee. Some employees prefer an informal environment, while others prefer more structured meetings. You should figure out what works best for your employee and make him or her feel at ease.

Common mistakes in 1 to 1 meetings and how to avoid them

Now that we have gone through the different ways to structure your 1:1s, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Here is what you should avoid:

• Dominating the conversation: you as a manager should listen to what your employee is saying and what ideas are being shared.
• Lack of constructive feedback: without any quick follow-up, you can make employees feel undervalued, which can affect motivation and performance in the long term.
• Focusing only on work-related tasks: 1 to 1 meetings aren't just for projects, milestones, or analysis. It is also critical to discuss future career objectives and personal development.
• Neglecting employee engagement and motivation: remember to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of your employee, which in turn helps to foster a positive and productive work environment.

Managers can get more out of 1:1 meetings by avoiding these common mistakes, which can improve their team's relationships and drive success!

Measuring the impact of 1 on 1 meetings

One-on-one meetings are important for managers to improve the performance of their teams, but how do you know if they're effective? That is why it is critical to track employee performance data. You can set individual goals for each employee and track their progress, which affects the overall team performance. This way, it will be clear whether or not 1 to 1 meetings have an effect.

It is now easier than ever to keep track of all the necessary 1 to 1 meeting data! For performance reviews and individual coaching sessions, use the Plecto one-on-one template. There are numerous features for making 1 to 1 meetings more effective, including the ability for managers to document all progress, set individual KPIs, and identify areas for improvement. As a result, data-driven decisions will be made! Try Plecto's one-on-one templates if you want to improve individual employee performance and improve team performance!

Track your employee performance with Plecto!

Our Coaching and Training module enables you to schedule 1:1 meetings, where you can track the progress of your employees’ development all in one place. Design 1:1 templates where you can easily set goals and action points with your team.

Try it for 14 days for free and see how it can help your employees grow!