The biggest predictor of one-on-one value is the amount of time the direct reports talk during the meeting relative to the manager. The ideal balance is for the direct to speak anywhere between 50 to 90% of the time. The manager should actively avoid talking more than the direct and encourage the direct to share solutions to problems. It's important to go with the direct's idea, even if the manager's idea is slightly better, to convey trust and promote commitment from the direct. This approach leads to a win-win situation for both parties.
Every day, in offices around the world, there are an estimated 200 million one-on-one meetings. In "Glad We Met," Steven Rogelberg asks: are all those 1:1s run as effectively as possible?