One thing remains consistent: the power of meaningful conversations. While most companies focus on optimizing team workflows and scaling communication through online meeting platforms for large groups, it’s the 1 on 1 meeting that often makes the biggest difference in team performance, morale, and growth.
Despite their simplicity, 1 on 1s are perhaps the most underutilized leadership tool. Done right, they serve as a space for connection, coaching, and clarity. And in today’s hybrid and remote work environments, their impact has only grown.
The Purpose Behind the 1 on 1 Meeting
At its core, a 1 on 1 meeting is a regularly scheduled conversation between a manager and an employee. Unlike status updates or team stand-ups, 1 on 1s are designed for deeper dialogue—covering everything from career goals and roadblocks to personal development and feedback.
Here’s why they’re so valuable:
Build Trust: When employees feel heard, they build stronger bonds with their leaders.
Prevent Issues: Regular check-ins catch small problems before they become major ones.
Boost Engagement: Employees who feel seen and supported are more motivated.
Drive Growth: With time set aside for reflection and coaching, employees grow faster.
In fact, a Gallup study found that employees whose managers hold regular 1 on 1s are almost three times more likely to be engaged than those who don’t have these meetings consistently.
1 on 1s vs. Online Meeting Platforms for Large Groups
It might seem counterintuitive, but as companies invest heavily in online meeting platforms for large groups, the intimacy and power of one-on-one time becomes even more essential.
Large group meetings serve a purpose: they align teams, cascade information, and create a shared understanding of direction. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have transformed how large teams collaborate, especially in remote settings. Features like breakout rooms, live polling, and screen sharing are essential when managing distributed teams.
However, these platforms, despite their sophistication, are not built for the nuanced, personal conversations that make 1 on 1 meetings so effective. In large meetings, individuals often stay silent, and real concerns go unspoken. One-on-ones, by contrast, are private, tailored, and flexible—making them ideal for addressing specific needs and unlocking potential.
Making the Most of Your 1 on 1 Meetings
To get the most from these conversations, structure and consistency matter. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
1. Set a Regular Cadence
Weekly or bi-weekly meetings work best. Don’t cancel them unless absolutely necessary—cancelling sends a signal that your employee isn’t a priority.
2. Create a Shared Agenda
Let the employee drive part of the conversation. A shared agenda allows both parties to prepare, prioritize, and reflect on what matters most.
3. Go Beyond the Surface
Use this time to talk about career development, skill growth, personal challenges, and recognition—not just tasks and to-dos.
4. Listen More Than You Talk
The most effective 1 on 1 meeting is one where the manager speaks less and listens more. Active listening builds trust and invites honesty.
5. Follow Up
Document action items and revisit them regularly. Progress builds momentum.
The Shift Toward Empathetic Leadership
A growing trend across organizations in 2025 is the focus on empathetic, people-first leadership. With Gen Z entering the workforce and remote work remaining prevalent, employees are looking for connection and authenticity in their workplace relationships. They don’t just want a manager—they want a mentor, coach, and advocate.
A thoughtful 1 on 1 meeting provides exactly that. It’s a signal that you care not just about outcomes, but about the person behind the role.
Combining 1 on 1s with Scalable Communication
While personal touch matters, scale is also crucial—especially for larger organizations. This is where the smart use of online meeting platforms for large groups comes in. Modern platforms now support hybrid team dynamics by offering:
Calendar integrations for scheduling
Recording features to document key discussions
AI note-taking tools to reduce admin work
Breakout rooms that mimic smaller group settings
In fact, many leaders are now using these same platforms to host 1 on 1s, taking advantage of their built-in collaboration features while maintaining the intimacy of the conversation.
The key is not to choose between 1 on 1s and group meetings—it’s about knowing the purpose each serves and balancing them strategically.
What the Future Holds
As workplace culture continues to evolve, expect to see more companies doubling down on 1 on 1s—not just for performance reviews, but as core leadership rituals.
At the same time, online meeting platforms for large groups will continue to innovate, making it easier to bridge communication across continents, time zones, and teams.
The companies that will thrive are the ones that use both well: creating space for large-scale collaboration and personal connection.
Final Thoughts
In a world of all-hands calls, Slack channels, and digital dashboards, the simple 1 on 1 meeting remains your secret weapon for team growth. It's the moment where clarity meets empathy, and where trust takes root.
So while you invest in tech stacks and tools to bring your teams together at scale, don’t forget the quiet power of a 30-minute check-in. Sometimes, the most meaningful progress starts with a simple, “How are you doing?”
