Regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings between a leader and direct report are by far the most effective way to accelerate performance. So, why is this effective performance acceleration technique ignored?
The biggest reason leaders give for not conducting regular one-on-one meetings is they don't have enough time. Leaders should conduct weekly 30-minute meetings. A leader with six direct reports would need to allocate only three hours per week.
How does investing in regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings save time for leaders?
Both the direct report and leader save minor discussion topics for this meeting rather than interrupting each other continuously throughout the week.
Minor issues are addressed before they become full-fledged, time-consuming problems.
Leaders’ tasks can be delegated in a venue allowing for much easier follow-up.
Skeptical leaders should try conducting one-on-ones with one of their direct reports for six weeks; they'll find they have more time, a better relationship, and a very disappointed direct report should they stop the meetings.
Leaders who use one-on-one meetings to empower direct reports experience more success and have more time.