Top 5 One-on-One Meeting Tips for Managers and Employees

It should certainly come as no surprise that one-on-one meetings are key to cultivating a strong relationship between managers and employees. Such conversations help foster a deeper understanding between the parties involved. They can help managers know their employees better, help provide encouragement and motivation, and solidify employee engagement. Employees, on the other hand, leave these meetings feeling valued, energized, and better equipped to perform their tasks. And if you consider the bigger picture, a positive relationship between managers and employees helps company productivity and work culture.

That one-on-one meetings are a significant tool to ensure employee engagement and foster better relationships is undeniable. Such meetings also help lower the risk of employee turnover. A Gallup survey found that highly engaged teams were 14% to 18% more productive than teams that weren’t as engaged. Additionally, the turnover rate among poorly engaged teams was 18% to 43% higher than their strongly engaged counterparts. Given this data, the potential that effective one-on-one meetings have in facilitating a more productive, interested, and engaged workforce cannot be overstated. In order to do so, we look at five tips for managers and employees to ensure a one-on-one interaction is successful for all involved parties.

Top 5 Tips for Managers

1. Listen Actively

It is essential for managers to listen actively to their employees for a successful one-on-one meeting. Pay close attention to what your employees share. It could be about the challenges they face or their career growth—whatever the discussion, be sure you focus on what they are saying. 

2. Express Genuine Interest

Genuine interest in what your employees have to say would be a direct result of active listening. As a manager, your employees will notice and appreciate your interest in what they’re talking about and will make them feel valued. Be sure you also offer suggestions, advice, or inputs on any problems or obstacles they may be facing.

3. Share Anecdotes

In the framework of the one-on-one meeting, it is beneficial to share some personal anecdotes or past experiences. Your own experience on the topic under discussion can enable employees to feel more self-assured and confident, and build a sense of camaraderie as well.

4. Be Open-Minded

One-on-one meetings are a good way to know what your employees think of you. Make them feel comfortable about sharing their thoughts on the subject and be open-minded in receiving constructive feedback. It is essential for your own success and growth as a manager to know what your staff feels about you and your management style.

5. Give Thoughtful Feedback

Managers’ feedback plays a crucial role in boosting employee morale and urging them to be more productive and work harder. 

Top 5 Tips for Employees

1. Reach Out Proactively

A one-on-one meeting doesn’t always have to come from the manager. As a member of the team, you too can be the one to make the first move. This is particularly important if you’re facing any particular challenge or obstacle in your work. Being able to talk it out in a one-on-one meeting will help you find a solution quicker. It will also let your manager know that they are approachable and retain the trust of their team members. 

2. Listen Carefully and Wait for Your Turn

As employees, wait for their turn to speak during one-on-one meetings. First, listen carefully to what your manager is saying. Once it’s your turn, share your opinion on the matter under discussion.

3. Share Your Concerns

If you have specific concerns related to your job or the workplace, talk it out with your manager. These concerns may include lack of communication, obstacles to any assignment you’re working on, even work-life balance problems.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback

If your manager asks you for feedback about their management style, do so in a constructive manner. Such open discussions can establish a better relationship with your manager and increase employee engagement in the organization. 

5. Take Notes

Make notes about what is shared in the meeting, particularly if the topic is about your role or a particular assignment that you’re working on. 

ALSO READ: How to Chart a Successful Career in Business Management

Productive one-on-one meetings are integral to build enduring relationships between managers and employees, make teams stronger, and ultimately help the organization grow. These tips should help both employees and managers develop the right mindset to ensure such meetings work for all stakeholders.

Get on the Right Track with Emeritus

If you are looking to grow in your career and need an online course to boost your profile, here are some top-quality options. Explore a wide range of courses offered by Emeritus in association with the world’s best universities. Accelerate your career today!

Write to us at content@emeritus.org