A one-on-one meeting is a dedicated, private, and regularly scheduled discussion between a manager and an employee. Unlike a group meeting, its sole purpose is to provide a space for focused, two-way communication. This time is not meant for simple status updates but for open conversation about an employee’s progress, challenges, career goals, and overall well-being. It is a critical forum for an employee to ask questions, share concerns, and receive guidance in a trusting environment.
The role of one-on-one meetings in performance management
A one-on-one meeting is a highly important touchpoint. It plays a huge role in transforming performance management into an ongoing dialogue about growth and support, as opposed to a rigid, once-a-year event.
By allowing managers to provide timely, in-the-moment coaching and feedback in person using dedicated employee performance review software, one-on-one meetings help to prevent surprises and open the door to addressing issues as they come up. By consistently checking in on goal progress and aligning an employee’s work with broader objectives, effective one-on-ones help build a strong relationship between managers and employees and provide the support needed for continuous professional development.