Stop Canceling Your One-on-Ones! Here's How to Make Them Count

Episode Summary

In this mini-pod episode, Jacqueline shares a practical seven-question framework to transform your one-on-one meetings from basic check-ins into meaningful growth opportunities. She explains how to apply her LATTE method (Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate) to create more intentional and empowering conversations with your team members.

The Seven Question Framework

1. What are you working on and what's going well?
2. What challenges are you anticipating?
3. What does success look like this month?
4. Who do you need support from and how can I help?
5. What have you learned recently and how can we apply it?
6. What progress have you made on your goals since our last meeting?
7. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?

Common Problems with One-on-Ones

• Lack of structure
• Too much focus on tasks rather than growth
• Missed opportunities for coaching and development
• Meetings getting canceled or postponed repeatedly
• Turning into status updates that duplicate team meetings

The LATTE Method Applied to One-on-Ones

L - Look

Question: What are you working on and what's going well?Purpose: Builds momentum, trust, and psychological safetySuggested phrasing: "Let's kick off with a win. What's something you're proud of this week?"Caution: Don't skip celebrating wins and jump straight to problems

A - Anticipate

Question: What challenges are you anticipating?Purpose: Encourages proactive thinking and builds coaching relationshipSuggested phrasing: "Is there anything that might create friction over the next week or so?"Focus: Help team members strengthen their ability to foresee potential issues

T - Think

Question: What does success look like this month?Purpose: Centers conversation on their goals, not just yoursSuggested phrasing: "Imagine it's the end of the month and you crushed it - what happened?"Tip: Be comfortable with pauses; don't define success for them

T - Talk

Question: Who do you need support from and how can I help?Purpose: Builds leadership voice, emotional intelligence, and a support mindsetSuggested phrasing: "Who else needs to be in the loop? How can I back you up?"Reminder: Empower your team member rather than taking on all responsibility

E - Evaluate

Question: What have you learned recently and how can we apply it?Purpose: Promotes reflection, celebrates growth, and improves decision-makingSuggested phrasing: "What's one lesson you've picked up recently? How can we use that?"Tip: Focus on insights, not just outputs

Additional Resources

• LinkedIn Lunch and Learn: Additional tools and dashboard for leveling up one-on-ones
• Visit zerogap.co for details
• Check out the Resilient Leaders Program by ZeroGap