How to Get the Most Out of a One-on-One with Your Boss

by Steven G. Rogelberg, Jon Gray and Cydnei Meredith

April 12, 2024

HBR Staff; J.A. Bracchi/Getty Images

Post

Summary.

Post

If you’re just starting out in the work world — or in a new job — one of the very first regular meetings on your calendar is likely to be a one-on-one meeting with your boss. This may seem like just a routine way for them to check in on your work, but these one-on-ones can fundamentally influence your workplace experience, your relationship with your manager, and your future growth and success. That’s because, in many ways, they’re the best place for you to regularly express yourself and gain the support and counsel you need at work.

Steven G. Rogelberg is the Chancellor’s Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for distinguished national, international, and interdisciplinary contributions. He is the author of Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings (Oxford University Press, 2024) and The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance (OUP, 2019). He writes and speaks about leadership, teams, meetings, and engagement. Follow him on LinkedIn or find more information at stevenrogelberg.com.

Jon Gray is a doctoral candidate in organization science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He holds a master’s degree in applied research and evaluation, and is a certified animal welfare administrator (CAWA). His research interests primarily focus on meeting science, as well as occupational stress faced by dirty work and caring professions. Follow him on LinkedIn.

Cydnei Meredith is an organizational science doctoral student at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in business. She is interested in employee voice and silence, meetings, and psychological safety. Find her on LinkedIn.

Post

Read more on Managing up or related topics Interpersonal communication, Early career, Meeting management and Managing yourself

How to Get the Most Out of a One-on-One with Your Boss

Summary.

Partner Center