Why 1 on 1 Meetings Are the Secret to High-Performing Teams

Building a culture of trust, alignment, and growth is essential for organizational success. While team meetings and project updates are common, one of the most powerful yet often underestimated tools for developing high performing teams is the 1 on 1 meeting.

More than just a scheduled check-in, 1 on 1 meetings create a space for real conversations—where team members feel seen, heard, and supported. As workplace dynamics evolve with remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, these personalized meetings are proving to be a cornerstone of high-performing teams.

The True Value of 1 on 1 Meetings

1 on 1 meetings are regular, dedicated sessions between a manager and a direct report. Unlike status meetings focused on tasks, these conversations are about people—understanding their goals, challenges, and professional development.

These meetings build psychological safety, a key trait that studies from Google’s Project Aristotle have found to be essential in developing high performing teams. When team members feel safe to speak honestly without fear of judgment, creativity and collaboration thrive.

Trending Now: The Human-Centered Leadership Movement

There’s a growing shift toward human-centered leadership. In 2025, the top-performing companies are those that prioritize employee wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and leadership transparency. 1 on 1 meetings play a crucial role in this movement.

They offer a consistent opportunity for leaders to listen actively, give tailored feedback, and coach employees toward their potential. This practice has proven especially vital in remote environments, where informal interactions and spontaneous feedback are rare.

Real-World Impact: Case in Point

Take Shopify, for example. The company has leaned into regular 1 on 1 meetings as a strategic tool for aligning individual goals with broader business objectives. Managers are trained not just to manage performance, but to actively coach their reports. The result? Stronger engagement, faster career growth, and teams that consistently outperform expectations.

1 on 1s Drive Engagement and Retention

Gallup research consistently shows that employees who have regular meetings with their managers are almost three times more likely to be engaged at work. Engagement is the fuel that powers productivity and innovation—two vital ingredients in developing high performing teams.

When employees feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to stay committed and motivated. 1 on 1 meetings provide an outlet for concerns to be addressed before they grow into bigger issues, and for achievements to be acknowledged in a meaningful way.

Crafting Effective 1 on 1 Meetings

Not all 1 on 1 meetings are created equal. To unlock their full potential, they need to be intentional, consistent, and personalized. Here are a few best practices:

1. Prioritize Consistency

Whether it’s weekly or biweekly, consistency builds trust. Canceling or frequently rescheduling sends the message that the meeting—and by extension, the employee—isn’t a priority.

2. Let the Employee Lead

Encourage employees to set the agenda. This allows them to bring up what matters most to them—whether it’s career development, interpersonal challenges, or feedback on a recent project.

3. Go Beyond Work Updates

While it’s fine to touch on project progress, the focus should be on growth, well-being, and alignment. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been energizing you lately?” or “How can I support you better?”

4. Follow Up

Great 1 on 1 meetings don’t end when the conversation does. Document action items and check in on them. This builds accountability and demonstrates that these meetings drive real outcomes.

The Role of 1 on 1s in Performance Reviews

Performance reviews often fail to capture the full scope of an employee’s contributions, especially if feedback is delayed or vague. By contrast, regular 1 on 1 meetings create a continuous feedback loop. This helps eliminate surprises during formal reviews and ensures goals are adjusted in real-time.

This agility is critical in developing high performing teams, where responsiveness and adaptability can make or break success.

Addressing Challenges

Some managers may struggle to make 1 on 1 meetings productive, especially when juggling multiple team members. The key is preparation and mindset. Treat these meetings as strategic investments, not interruptions. Over time, they lead to fewer misunderstandings, faster problem-solving, and a stronger team culture.

Additionally, tools like Leadhonestly, Lattice, and Fellow.app have emerged to support managers in structuring effective 1 on 1 meetings with prompts, templates, and performance tracking.

Looking Ahead: 1 on 1s in a Hybrid World

As hybrid work becomes standard, 1 on 1 meetings are more crucial than ever. They serve as the connective tissue between scattered teams and remote workers, making sure no one feels isolated or overlooked.

In the future, we can expect more tech-enhanced 1 on 1 meetings—from AI-generated summaries to mood tracking and sentiment analysis. But at their core, the magic of 1 on 1s remains profoundly human: one person showing up for another with presence, empathy, and purpose.

Conclusion

In the quest for developing high performing teams, the secret often lies not in elaborate strategies or cutting-edge tools—but in the simple act of one meaningful conversation at a time.

1 on 1 meetings are more than just a recurring slot on the calendar. They’re a leadership superpower, a cultural cornerstone, and a proven method to unlock the full potential of individuals and teams alike.

If you're looking to transform your team’s performance, start with a conversation. The most powerful tools are often the simplest—and the most human.