4 Reasons One-on-Ones Are Critical to Employee Engagement

Regular meetings with employees (aka "one-on-ones"):

Managers are busy and one-on-ones do take time. But the more managers develop their team members, the more they are able to delegate. One-on-ones uncover employee strengths and the types of tasks that motivate them. Learning opportunities are discussed which opens the door to “stretch” assignments that enable an employee to go beyond the current job requirements and grow in their career.

Managers just need to make sure their meetings provide this. 75% of managers say they feel employees leave their one-on-ones more motivated while only 58% of employees report feeling motivated after their one-on-one. The Tips we’ve provided can ensure one-on-ones motivate—rather than frustrate—employees.

One-on-ones are a time to build rapport with an employee and get to know them better. Two-way communication is integral to building trust and a positive working relationship. Managers who find themselves doing all the talking need to find ways to balance the equation. Drawing employees out by asking open-ended questions and practicing active listening are two ways to start.  

When an employee knows they will have their manager’s individual attention at a specific time, they will often add a question or issue to the list of things to be discussed at the meeting. This reduces the number of “interrupts” a manager receives during the week while ensuring employees get the information they need. Managers can always respond to an “interrupt” with the comment that this is best discussed at the one-on-one…then both people can get back to the task at hand. 

Tips for Meaningful One-on-Ones

 
✔ Make One-on-Ones a priority.

• Block regular time on your calendar and stick to it. (Weekly meetings have the most positive impact on employee engagement; but if you have a large team, schedule meetings as frequently as possible.)
• Personally invite your employee; then follow-up with a calendar invite.

  ✔ Prepare.

• Identify one-on-one goals.
• Jot down bullet discussion points.

  ✔ Ask your employees to prepare. 

• Identify current challenges and potential solutions.
• Consider professional development needs, desires, and goals.

  ✔ Be fully present during the meeting.

• Don’t allow phone or computer interruptions.
• If meeting face to face, meet in a neutral place. If meeting online or by phone, make sure the environment is free from noise and that there won’t be connectivity issues.

  ✔ Begin with a positive.

• Make a personal connection: remember, your employees are people first and workers second.
• Transition to work discussion with a positive: acknowledge strengths and accomplishments.

  ✔ Agree on the week’s meeting goals.

• Review the lists you and the employee have made.
• Discuss challenges.
• Tackle a problem.
• Discuss learning and professional development.

  ✔ Be flexible and informal.

• Strive for two-way communication.
• Offer and ask for feedback.
• Be focused but not rigid.

  ✔ End with a positive.

• Express genuine appreciation and gratitude.
• Confirm next meeting details.