As managers, you are responsible and accountable for the performance, growth, and on-the-job wellbeing of your direct reports.

The 1-on-1 meeting is the simplest and most effective way to invest time in your direct reports. This investment will pay dividends in almost every area of your business. Weekly group meetings and informal lunchroom chats both play an important role, but nothing can take the place of regular 1 on 1s.

If you are not having regular, genuine conversations with your direct reports you cannot know where your people are at, what their stresses and pressures are, what they are worried about, and what they are avoiding (and therefore what potential risks face your wider team).

Here’s a tool I’ve adapted from many I’ve found that will help you structure a 1 on 1. Try it, adapt it, play with it and let me know how the conversation goes.

1-On-1 Conversation Tool