A one-on-one is a recurring private meeting between a team lead and an individual direct report. Its core purpose centers on supporting the report's professional growth, personal wellbeing, and resolution of workplace obstacles, rather than serving as a status update on active tasks. Task progress and project status belong in team stand-ups or project trackers.

Purpose of a One-on-One Meeting

In an effective one-on-one meeting, the direct report owns the agenda, and their topics must be addressed before the team lead introduces any items. When a manager co-opts the agenda, the conversation tends to regress into a task status review, discouraging the report from bringing forward genuine issues or career development interests.

Report Agenda Ownership in One-on-Ones

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