The Art of 1:1 Meetings: A Review of “Glad We Met”
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Despite my deep love for academia and Communication Studies, I haven’t always felt a natural sense of belonging in academic spaces or confidence in my contributions. Throughout my educational journey, it was easy to feel overwhelmed, out of place, or trapped in the cycle of imposter syndrome. However, there was one consistent source of reassurance and re-energization during both my master’s and doctoral programs: one-on-one meetings with my advisor.
My advisors excelled at creating meaningful, supportive one-on-one meetings. They provided space for me to talk, vent, ask questions, and seek reassurance—without judgment or a sense of being rushed. They were intentional about addressing every concern and ensuring I left each meeting feeling more grounded and confident. As a learner, researcher, and educator, these conversations were invaluable to my growth. I always assumed it was the reassurance that made these meetings so impactful. But after studying meetings in different contexts, planning and leading my own, and observing how meetings succeed or fail across various industries, I came to realize the true magic of these one-on-ones: connection.
In his book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings, Steven G. Rogelberg, does a great job at showcasing the importance and power of 1:1 meetings — something that can positively impact a team and a workplace.
What Did I Learn?
While my personal experiences led me to appreciate the value of 1:1 meetings, Rogelberg’s work reinforced just how essential they are in the workplace. Scheduling regular one-on-one meetings for every team member, employee, or colleague can be challenging, but the impact of prioritizing these connections is well worth the effort.
As Rogelberg explains, 1:1 meetings foster communication, build trust, and support employee growth. They provide managers and supervisors with dedicated time to engage with employees, facilitating meaningful conversations about professional development and overall well-being.
However, the benefits of these meetings aren’t automatic. Without proper structure and preparation, they risk becoming ineffective, leading to surface-level discussions rather than meaningful dialogue. Thoughtful planning is key to ensuring these meetings truly enhance communication and workplace dynamics, and Rogelberg takes time to unpack the strategies and practices that can be put into place to make 1:1 meetings as efficient as possible.
The Communication Impact: Why This Matters
When it comes to effective communication, 1:1 meetings make a lot of sense. Two people with the time and space to actively listen and mindfully respond to one another. When these sessions are done properly, it should foster an environment where an employee/colleague/team member feels heard and feels like they had space to address topics and questions they wanted to. On the other side, the manager and/or supervisor should feel as if they are given an opportunity to connect with one of their employees or team members and learn about the workplace dynamic they are heavily contributed to and fostering.
When it comes to effective communication, 1:1 meetings are a natural fit. They create dedicated time and space for two people to actively listen and engage in meaningful dialogue. When conducted properly, these meetings provide employees, colleagues, or team members with a genuine opportunity to be heard and to discuss the topics and questions most important to them. For managers and supervisors, these sessions serve as a valuable window into the workplace dynamics they help shape. They offer a chance to connect on a deeper level, gain insights into team experiences, and foster a culture of open communication and trust.
If you're looking to incorporate 1:1 meetings into your workplace routine more efficiently—or ensure the ones you already hold are structured with intention—I highly recommend Rogelberg’s work. His insights provide a fresh perspective on the meeting process while reinforcing the powerful role of communication, not just in large-scale meetings, but in these more intimate, meaningful interactions as well.
With Joy,
Emily
