Episode 82: Stop Wasting Your 1 on 1s: Better Questions, Better Conversations
Episode 82
Stop Wasting Your 1 on 1s: Better Questions, Better Conversations
Episode Summary
Most 1 on 1s feel awkward because leaders don't know what to ask — so they default to status updates and call it a meeting. Regular, well-run 1 on 1s are where trust gets built, problems get surfaced before they become crises, and people feel like they actually matter to their leader. The difference is knowing which questions to ask — and what to do with the answers.
Key Points:
Regular 1 on 1s are where trust gets built and problems get surfaced before they become crises — skipping them has a cost, and so does doing them badly.
Better questions are the difference between a real conversation and a status update dressed up as a meeting.
Asking a good question is only half of it — giving people space to answer honestly, and not letting them off the hook when they try to take the easy way out, is where the real work is.
Resources
Blog Posts:
Related Episodes
Are You Really Listening? Why It Matters More Than What You Say
Navigating Difficult Conversations: Practical Strategies for When You Need to Speak Up
The Quiet Crisis on Your Team: Loneliness, Disconnection, and What Leaders Can Do
Built on Purpose: Creating the Organizational Culture You Actually Want
Listen
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About Jacquie:
Jacquie is the founder of Leadership and Life by Kayric Inc, where she blends the best of teaching, leadership, and the occasional The West Wing reference to help non-profits and small business build strong leaders and healthy teams. Utilizing DISC and The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive team, combined with teaching knowledge and experience, Jacquie strives to empower leaders with the skills no one taught them and to create teams who want to work together.
Formerly a junior high teacher (who loves teenagers), Jacquie brings a decade of classroom wisdom, ten years corporate training experience, a growth mindset, and a sprinkle of mild rebellion to her dynamic approach.
In her free time, Jacquie channels her passion for community improvement by volunteering with school councils, serving on non-profit boards, and generally finding ways to make her corner of the world a better place. You can also find her on the side of a soccer pitch, at Remedy Café or in her scrapbook room.
