One-on-One

Also called 1:1

A regular, private meeting between a manager and a team member to discuss progress, obstacles, growth, and feedback. A cornerstone of good management.

Why it matters

Consistent one-on-ones catch problems early, build trust, and help people grow, which becomes vital as a founder's team expands beyond direct daily contact. Skipping them is a common way early managers let issues fester.

For example

A manager holds a weekly 30-minute one-on-one with each report, catching a brewing problem early that a status meeting would have missed.

Worth your time

Radical Candor: The Surprising Secret to Being a Good Boss First Round Review · article The framework for caring personally while challenging directly, the backbone of a one-on-one that builds trust and improves people.

Related terms

Performance Review Culture Fit Org Chart

Go deeper

See how founders actually handle this on Co-founders, team and legal, part of the Starting Up hub.

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