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Why should I bother with 1:1 meetings?

What you'll find in this blog

Are 1:1s the most underrated leadership tool?

 In this short blog we will explore how 1:1s benefit both you and your teams.

What is leadership

Leadership isn’t defined by titles or team size—it’s revealed in the quality of your conversations. The most impactful leaders aren’t the ones who speak the loudest, but those who listen the most. Mike Erwin’s (author, founder and  Assistant Professor in Leadership & Psychology) work reminds us that leadership is fundamentally about relationships, and one of the most effective ways to nurture those relationships is through regular, intentional 121s.

Benefits of 121 meetings

121 meetings are one of the most powerful tools a leader can use to build trust, foster loyalty, and drive productivity. These regular, intentional conversations create space for:

– Authentic dialogue

-Personalised  support

– Mutual vulnerability

They’re not just about checking in (and definitely not about checking up….. they’re about showing up benefitting both you as a leader, and your colleagues.

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Erwin’s work highlights that vulnerability is a strength in leadership. We know from our experience, new leaders in particular see vulnerability as a weakness.  This is an important lean and can make all of the difference – it’s actually a superpower (read our previous blog on this topic here). When leaders are open about their own challenges and genuinely listen to others, they create a culture of trust. In 121s, this vulnerability becomes a bridge – connecting people through shared experiences and honest conversations.

Trust Leads to Loyalty and Productivity

When team members feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged, take initiative, and go the extra mile. Loyalty isn’t built through policies – it’s built through relationships. And productivity follows naturally when people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

1:1 walking meeting

Make 121s Count

To get the most out of 121s:

– Be consistent and present (put away devices and turn off any notifications)

– Ask meaningful questions (consider these beforehand but don’t script)

– Listen with empathy (try to see the world through their pair of eyes)

-Ask your colleague what would be most helpful for them

-Set expectations for 121s (do you expect them to lead the conversation or you?)

-Consider the location for your colleague (would a walk and talk work?)

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t a title- it’s a relationship and a privilege. As leaders, we build relationships one conversation at a time. In conclusion, if you want to lead with impact, start with your next 121.

Scheduling more 121s is something you can do easily without our help. What you might want our support in is: navigating tricky subjects, using coaching skills in your conversation to encourage accountability and/or increasing your confidence.

Drop in for a virtual coffee to explore how we can help you Book time with Rebecca Wray: Consultation call

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