Listen as Casey and Jacob explore why consistent one-on-ones are the highest-leverage activity for leaders, addressing the common dread around them and sharing strategies to transform them into relationship-building and coaching sessions.

Key Points Discussed:

• The value of consistenat one-on-ones as a high-leverage leadership activity and why they should not be canceled or rescheduled.
• The three core functions of one-on-ones: building relationships, providing coaching and feedback, and clearing the decks.
• Strategies for agenda-setting, including having the direct report set the agenda first, using a three-question framework (“How are you?”, “How is the business?”, “How can I help?”), and feeding topics through shared channels or documents.
• Techniques for structuring meetings: frequency (monthly to weekly), duration (avoid back-to-back or front-loading), and context (changing location, shared meals or coffee, disabling distractions).
• Coaching tips: letting the direct report speak most of the time (aim for 70/30 listening to talking ratio), using individual development plans, and exploring collaborative book readings.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Schedule recurring one-on-ones at least monthly, aim for weekly when possible, and avoid rescheduling.
• Create a shared agenda space (Slack channel or document) for continuous topic capture.
• Use a clear agenda framework: direct report first, fallback prompts from the manager.
• Reserve the last minutes for administrative updates and handle most updates asynchronously.
• Enter each session distraction-free: enable Do Not Disturb and choose a setting that fosters open conversation.

Ready to elevate your leadership? Commit to consistent, purposeful one-on-ones and start building stronger, more engaged teams.