Communication is at the heart of a great team process. While some of the buzz online right now is that 1-1s are not valuable, I would challenge this by saying that 1-1s with team members are probably the best use of a leader's time, if done strategically. Consider this: in a world of constant collaboration, it’s easy for individual voices to get lost in the crowd. Regular 1-1s provide a dedicated space for personalized conversations that drive alignment, engagement, and growth.
1. Strengthening Relationships
At its core, a 1-1 is an opportunity to build trust between a leader and their team member. These private conversations create a safe space for team members to share their concerns, ideas, and aspirations. By consistently showing up and listening, leaders demonstrate that they value the individual beyond their daily tasks. Strong relationships forged through 1-1s contribute to greater psychological safety, which is essential for team success.
2. Enhancing Clarity and Alignment
In busy teams, miscommunication or a lack of clarity can lead to missed deadlines and frustration. 1-1s allow leaders to address individual goals, challenges, and priorities in a focused manner. This personalized alignment ensures that each team member understands how their work contributes to the team’s broader objectives. When employees see their role in the bigger picture, they are more motivated and committed to achieving shared goals.
3. Encouraging Growth and Development
For many employees, growth opportunities are a top priority. Regular 1-1s provide a platform for meaningful discussions about professional development. Leaders can offer constructive feedback, recognize achievements, and help identify skills or experiences the team member wants to build. By dedicating time to their growth, leaders foster a culture of continuous learning and help individuals reach their full potential.
4. Identifying and Addressing Challenges
Small frustrations or obstacles can snowball into significant issues if left unaddressed. 1-1s serve as a proactive tool for surfacing problems early. Whether it’s resource constraints, interpersonal conflicts, or workload concerns, leaders can use this time to explore solutions collaboratively. Addressing challenges promptly not only resolves issues but also reinforces a team member’s confidence in their leader’s support.
5. Driving Engagement and Retention
A team member who feels heard, valued, and supported is far more likely to stay engaged and committed. Regular 1-1s demonstrate to employees that their contributions and well-being matter. This intentional connection builds loyalty and reduces turnover, saving time and resources in the long run.
Conclusion
While some may question the value of 1-1s, their strategic use can transform a team’s dynamics. By prioritizing relationships, fostering clarity, and investing in individual growth, leaders can unlock their team’s potential and create a culture of trust and engagement. Regular 1-1s aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a leadership essential!
1. Strengthening Relationships
At its core, a 1-1 is an opportunity to build trust between a leader and their team member. These private conversations create a safe space for team members to share their concerns, ideas, and aspirations. By consistently showing up and listening, leaders demonstrate that they value the individual beyond their daily tasks. Strong relationships forged through 1-1s contribute to greater psychological safety, which is essential for team success.
2. Enhancing Clarity and Alignment
In busy teams, miscommunication or a lack of clarity can lead to missed deadlines and frustration. 1-1s allow leaders to address individual goals, challenges, and priorities in a focused manner. This personalized alignment ensures that each team member understands how their work contributes to the team’s broader objectives. When employees see their role in the bigger picture, they are more motivated and committed to achieving shared goals.
3. Encouraging Growth and Development
For many employees, growth opportunities are a top priority. Regular 1-1s provide a platform for meaningful discussions about professional development. Leaders can offer constructive feedback, recognize achievements, and help identify skills or experiences the team member wants to build. By dedicating time to their growth, leaders foster a culture of continuous learning and help individuals reach their full potential.
4. Identifying and Addressing Challenges
Small frustrations or obstacles can snowball into significant issues if left unaddressed. 1-1s serve as a proactive tool for surfacing problems early. Whether it’s resource constraints, interpersonal conflicts, or workload concerns, leaders can use this time to explore solutions collaboratively. Addressing challenges promptly not only resolves issues but also reinforces a team member’s confidence in their leader’s support.
5. Driving Engagement and Retention
A team member who feels heard, valued, and supported is far more likely to stay engaged and committed. Regular 1-1s demonstrate to employees that their contributions and well-being matter. This intentional connection builds loyalty and reduces turnover, saving time and resources in the long run.
Conclusion
While some may question the value of 1-1s, their strategic use can transform a team’s dynamics. By prioritizing relationships, fostering clarity, and investing in individual growth, leaders can unlock their team’s potential and create a culture of trust and engagement. Regular 1-1s aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a leadership essential!
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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