Many managers treat one-on-ones like a quick status update: What’s done, what’s blocked, what’s next.
But the most effective leaders understand that these meetings are not about tasks. They’re about connection, clarity, and trust.
When employees feel heard by their manager, engagement and performance rise dramatically. According to Gallup, employees who have meaningful conversations with their manager on a regular basis are three times more likely to be engaged at work.
Diana Valler, Chief Human Resources Officer at TravelBrands Inc., believed one-on-ones are one of the most underrated leadership tools.
“People will never forget how you made them feel,” Valler said.
In her experience, the difference between a mediocre one-on-one and a transformational one comes down to three leadership habits: consistency, presence, and follow-through.
Below are the three ways managers can run one-on-ones that actually build trust and drive results along with powerful questions leaders should be asking.
1. Consistency signals that employees matter
The fastest way to weaken trust is to repeatedly cancel one-on-ones.
When managers deprioritize these meetings, employees notice. Over time, they stop preparing for them or worse, they stop sharing what really matters.
Valler said consistency sends a powerful message.
“When you schedule the meeting, keep it,” she explained. “It shows your employee that their voice and time matter.”
Regular check-ins also create psychological safety, one of the most important ingredients of high-performing teams. Research highlighted in the Harvard Business Review found that teams with strong psychological safety were more willing to share ideas, take risks, and collaborate effectively.
For new teams, weekly one-on-ones help build rapport quickly. For established teams, monthly meetings often work well.
The key is consistency. When employees know the meeting will happen, they come prepared to talk about what truly matters.
Questions managers should ask:
- How are you, really?
- What has been the highlight of your work this week?
- What’s been the most frustrating or challenging?
- Is there anything slowing you down that I may not see?
These questions open the door for honest conversations before small issues become big problems.
This was published on Inc.com first.
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About the Author
From securing an $8M breakthrough inside a global fintech to being named CEO of the very platform she built, Netta Jenkins has mastered the art of turning bold ideas into lasting business transformation. With a LinkedIn community of over 200,000, she’s the CEO redefining how organizations drive employee engagement and performance through AI. A two-time Wiley author, Netta’s work has been amplified by Arianna Huffington to more than 10 million people. Her latest book, Supercharged Teams: How Every Manager Can Create a Culture of Excellence, gives leaders the playbook to transform everyday teams into high-performing powerhouses.
As founder of HIC, a workplace consulting firm and creator of HIC HR Hub, a private community for senior HR leaders to share and gain new insights. She also hosts Beyond Management™, a viral LinkedIn leadership series with over 50 million impressions, where she sparks street-level conversations that elevate employer brands, attract top talent, and inspire customers. A seasoned TEDx and international keynote speaker, Netta has energized audiences across the U.S., Ghana, the Netherlands, and Turkey with bold insights and measurable takeaways. With 15+ years of global advisory experience, she shares weekly video tips that empower managers at every level. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, McKinsey, Forbes, Fortune, and more. Named one of CIO Views’ Top 10 Most Influential Black Women in Business to Follow.
Netta helps organizations connect workplace culture, technology, and performance to deliver measurable, lasting impact. Previously serving as VP of Global Inclusive Strategy at IAC, Netta partnered with brands like Match.com, Vimeo, and Daily Beast. She advises Betterment, consults executives via the Intro app, and is pursuing a doctorate in quality systems. Currently, she collaborates with Marc Lore (former CEO of Walmart) and Preet Bharara (former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York) to build Telosa, a visionary new city in America. Residing on the East Coast with her family, Netta continues to make a transformative impact in both the corporate and startup landscapes.
