Most managers do regular 1-on-1 meetings with employees. But few do them very well. Here are 11 things I've seen good managers do that bad managers don’t in 1-on-1 meetings.

✅GOOD MANAGERS focus 1-1 meetings on the most important items on the report’s mind. They ask questions, probe, and coach.

❌BAD MANAGERS think 1-1 meetings with “more is always” better. They focus on surface stuff and avoid real issues.

✅GOOD MANAGERS encourage reports to cancel 1-1 meetings sometimes. Best to focus on the mission then.

❌BAD MANAGERS want the employee in their office kissing the ring. They focus on activities rather than results.

✅GOOD MANAGERs make the 1-1 meeting the EMPLOYEE’s meeting. The manager focuses on helping the employee achieve their mission.

❌BAD MANAGERS make the 1-1 meeting about themselves, gossip, set the agenda, and do all the talking.

✅GOOD MANAGERS shut out distractions and 100% focus on the meeting during 1-1s.

❌BAD MANAGERS glance at their phones or email repeatedly during the 1-1. Some do other work or take calls, showing what they really think of the report.

✅GOOD MANAGERS mix up the 1-1 meetings by making them sometimes walking meetings, in-person, or often voice-only phone calls.

❌BAD MANAGERS insist on reports only coming to their office or Zoom and sitting at attention.

✅GOOD MANAGERS know 1-1 meetings aren’t all about business. They care about what’s going on both in and out of the office for employees.

❌BAD MANAGERS only talk about the mission. They say, "Leave your feelings and ambitions at home! And no fun!"