This post was originally published on this site
Here we are with 1-on-1 meetings—the notorious dread of managers everywhere. Yet, they’re arguably one of the most undervalued tools for building connections and gathering genuine feedback, especially in managing remote teams. Imagine your remote workforce spread across time zones, from coffee shops to home offices, and perhaps even by a pool (hey, who says we can’t dream?).
Keeping them informed and engaged requires more than shared Google Docs or Slack messages. Real relationships matter, and that’s where recurring, authentic 1-on-1 connections come in.
Before you ask yourself, “How do I even begin writing 1-on-1s for my distributed team?”—take a moment. I’ll guide you through strategies, real-world examples, and best practices so you can craft 1-on-1s that are productive, engaging, and motivational, creating a strong sense of alignment across your team.
Why Are 1-on-1s So Crucial for Remote Teams?
Let’s start with the basics: Why 1-on-1s matter so much for remote teams?Well for those working remotely and missing out on water-cooler conversations and spontaneous desk drop-ins, personal interactions such as 1-on-1s can be a refreshing break from the isolation.
Or, in a more poetic sense: if you’re the head of a virtual team, empathy for your employees means taking