One-on-Ones: The Leadership Health Indicator Hiding in Plain Sight

What makes a one-on-one truly effective, and why do so many leaders struggle to make them a priority? Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor, calls regular one-on-ones probably the most important thing a leader can do, yet almost half of employees rarely or never get one. In this episode, Rob Shields and David Spickard kick off a new series on the success indicators of leadership health, starting with one of the most basic and often overlooked leadership rhythms.

Drawing from research and their work with leaders through 11 Ten Leadership, Rob and David explore why one-on-ones matter, what a canceled and never-rebooked meeting signals to a team, and how leaders can move these meetings from transactional check-ins to opportunities for coaching, development, trust, and connection. They also address the pushback from high-profile CEOs who have abandoned one-on-ones altogether, and offer practical guidance for getting them right: letting the direct report own the agenda, talking less than they do, being more coach than cop, and paying attention when all you hear is good news.

When leaders protect this time, people leave feeling known, encouraged, and challenged, and that is how thriving teams are built. This episode ends with one simple question worth asking your direct reports this week.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – A leader's most important habit

01:00 – Introducing the success indicators of leadership health

04:00 – What a one-on-one is really for

08:00 – What a canceled one-on-one signals to your team

10:00 – Why leaders say they don't have time for their people

12:00 – The case against one-on-ones: Brian Chesky and Jensen Huang

14:00 – Why senior leaders need more one-on-ones, not fewer

16:00 – From reactive check-ins to intentional conversations