One-on-one meetings between employees and managers are crucial to the success of almost every business. These meetings offer uninterrupted time to discuss projects and responsibilities, review employee performance, and remove any impeding roadblocks. Whether conducted in person or virtually, the one-on-one meeting provides a unique opportunity for employers and managers to get to know their employees personally. 

What Should Be Covered in a One-on-One Meeting?

While a one-on-one meeting agenda depends on the length and frequency of meetings, the best one-on-one sessions touch on three main areas: performance, growth and development, and goal setting. The underlying goal of these meetings should be to build trust between manager and employee through open communication and respect. 

Evaluate and Improve Employee Performance

One-on-ones between managers and employees are an optimal way to evaluate and improve an employee’s performance at work.

If a job requires employees to consistently meet short-term goals, setting up a standing One-on-one meeting is an excellent way to check on your employee’s status and problem-solve if necessary. If your employees typically work on longer-term projects, one-on-ones can keep you apprised of their progress and help you develop shorter-term goals to keep everything on track. 

Individual meetings allow you to tailor your feedback to each employee, letting you focus on an employee’s specific strengths and weaknesses. Information gathered during One-on-one meetings can help managers pair up their employees with the projects that best suit their interests and abilities. 

Professional Growth and Development

One-on-ones provide an ideal forum for managers to discuss growth and development opportunities with their employees. A recent Gallup poll found that 87% of millennials value growth and professional development in their jobs, and employees will quickly tire of a position that doesn’t offer room for professional growth. 

If possible, managers should dedicate some time during a one-on-one to discussing their employee’s career aspirations and specific interests and communicate ways in which they can help that employee achieve their personal work goals. 

By showing interest and investing in your employee’s professional development, your employees will be more likely to remain at the company and thrive at their jobs. 

Goal Setting 

Set specific, measurable goals with your employees during one-on-ones and check in on their progress at your next meeting. Learning about your employee’s particular work style during one-on-ones can help you and your employee formulate goals based on their unique skills and workplace habits. 

The most effective goals are tailored to the individual. Ask your employees about their specific aspirations and try to set goals that allow them to flourish along these lines. Provide clear and encouraging feedback at each one-on-one meeting with manager to optimize their progress. 

How Can a One-on-One Tool Improve your Meetings?

One-on-one tools are organizational platforms designed to streamline individual meetings through increased efficiency and clear communication. An ideal one-on-one meeting tool includes a meeting platform for visual or verbal communication, organizational tools for keeping track of past notes, and a central location to document decisions made during the meeting. 

Organizational tools like Assembly offer one-on-one meeting templates and direct reports templates to integrate and systematize workflow by increasing structure, consistency, and visibility. Assembly platforms allow employees to directly respond to engaging questions about their career aspirations and what additional support they may need at work. 

Schedule a meeting with one of Assembly’s employee recognition experts today and learn how Assembly can help increase the efficiency and enjoyment of your workplace one-on-ones. 

---

Conclusion

Try Assembly Today

Ready to take your one-on-ones to the next level of productivity and engagement? Book a demo with Assembly today or try Assembly free. 

Interested in employee recognition and appreciation? Schedule a meeting with our employee recognition experts today, and we’ll waive your implementation fee.