How 1:1 Sessions Drive Problem-Solving and Foster Creative Thinking (UX Management)

1:1 meetings are more than just routine check-ins — they can actually fuel the creative growth of a company. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for open and candid discussions between managers and their team members.

5 min readAug 16, 2024

The Catalyst for Success

Ah, the legendary one-on-one meetings, or as we like to call them, 1:1s!

Picture this: a dedicated space where managers and their team members can kick back and dive into meaningful conversations beyond the usual work banter.

These meetings serve as a dedicated space for open and meaningful communication, extending beyond work responsibilities.

Effective managers know that these 1:1s aren’t just checkmarks on their to-do lists; they’re the secret sauce that fuels successful leadership.

By embracing these meetings as the ultimate focal point, managers supercharge team productivity, foster an environment of trust and psychological safety, and sprinkle a dose of motivation and engagement into their work lives.

It’s a beautiful dance of give and take, where managers thrive alongside their team’s stellar performance.

Keep reading and discover the tried-and-true best practices for 1:1 meetings that can make a real difference. Let’s get started!

Best practices for transformative 1:1 meetings

When it comes to organising a 1:1 meeting, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Various factors come into play, such as the emotional needs of your team members, the strength of your relationship with them, and their level of experience.

However, the key ingredient for a successful 1:1 is creating a safe and welcoming space where individuals feel empowered to openly discuss the issues and concerns weighing on their minds.

Remember, these meetings are primarily for the employee, and their active participation is absolutely essential.

1. Schedule a slot.

When scheduling your 1:1 meetings, it’s not just about sending invites to your team members. It’s important to prepare for the discussions and arrange the logistics according to each person’s specific requirements.

Here are three options you can consider for the frequency of your 1:1 meetings, and some factors to help you determine the right approach:

• Hybrid approach
• Weekly 30-minute meetings
• Bi-weekly 45–60 minute meetings

2. If there’s nothing to discuss, it’s ok to cancel.

Break free from the traditional mindset that sees them as obligatory tasks.

3. Be. On. Time. Please. ⏰

4. Set the location.

Feel free to change the setting from time to time.

• Go for a walk and have your 1:1 in a courtyard.
• Do it after your hot Pilates class.
• Grab a coffee.

Be creative.

5. Silence your chatter and lend an ear.

Listen more than you talk. Yup, here’s the deal, boss: zip those lips and resist the urge to hog the spotlight.

6. Create an agenda but let them OWN theirs.

It’s crucial that your employee takes ownership of the agenda.

Begin each 1:1 by asking, “What’s on your mind?”

This question empowers them to set the agenda and discuss what matters most to them.

However, you can also request certain updates, like their OKRs or KPIs, and ask them to share any obstacles you can assist with.

Keep in mind that letting your employee on the agenda is a symbolic way of showing that you value their input and autonomy over their work and time.

By saying, “You tell me what’s important,” you create an environment where they can contribute and grow.

As Steve Jobs once said, “We hire people to tell us what to do, not the other way around.”

Questions to ask

You can help them structure their agendas by answering these questions:

What are you proud of?
What do I need to know?
Where are you struggling?
What’s on your mind this week?
What feedback do you have for me?
How happy were you this past week?
How productive were you this past week?

Essential topics

Delve into role clarity: Discover what truly drives you. How would you allocate your time and efforts if you could design your perfect work pie chart?
Unveil your professional identity through your role from a fresh perspective.
Career aspirations: Craft your ideal workday. Envision your most fulfilling role and its accompanying schedule.
Find fulfillment in your job: Pinpoint the sources of your professional satisfaction. What aspects of your work bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
Learn from your past victories: Reflect on your accomplishments. Where have you achieved remarkable success in your career thus far?
Discuss your Ambitions: Outline your long-term objectives. Identify the skills necessary to reach these milestones.
Overcome obstacles: Uncover the challenges that lie ahead. How will you overcome them on your path to achieving your goals?

More than just routine check-ins

1:1 meetings are more than just routine check-ins — they can actually fuel the creative growth of a company.

These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for open and candid discussions between managers and their team members.

By dedicating focused time to connect individually, employees feel more comfortable sharing their ideas, brainstorming new solutions, and exploring innovative approaches to challenges. It’s like having a designated space where creativity can flourish!

Encouraging employees to express their thoughts, allowing them to take risks, and providing constructive feedback during these meetings can inspire a culture of innovation and ignite the creative spark that drives progress within the company.

So, don’t underestimate the power of these casual and collaborative conversations — they can truly unleash the creative potential of your team.

Let’s Connect

📥 Email hello@uxplaybook.org if you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions.

Hey 👋 I’m Chris, the Founder of UX Playbook.

Here’s more about me:

👨‍🏫 I’m a Ex-Head of Design, with 10 years of experience in tech, building products & teams

🦄 I worked with Fortune 100s like Google, Nike, Coca Cola, 21st Century Fox, and startup unicorns

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 I’ve built a community of over 62,000 designers

🤝 I’ve supported over 11,000 designers with my free UX resources, blog posts, and mentorship

🚀 I’ve been the founding designer for 8 startups

💸 I previously grew my own freelance one-person UX consultancy to $26,000/month then burnt out

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