The Power of One-on-One Meetings
Why One-on-One Meetings Matter
Let’s be honest, most meetings get a bad rap. And for good reason.
But a focused, intentional one-on-one? That’s different. That’s leadership.
These aren’t for micromanaging. They’re for listening, aligning, and investing in the people you lead. At Text In Church, I meet with every direct report once a month for 30 minutes. It’s one of the most important rhythms we have.
Here’s how I structure them, and why they matter so much.
Step 1: Align on the Mission
Start With the Big Picture
Every one-on-one starts here, not with status updates, but with alignment.
- Where are we headed?
- How does your role support that?
- Are we rowing in the same direction?
If you don’t ask, drift happens. Priorities shift. People start pulling in different directions.
Realignment isn’t flashy, but it’s essential.
Step 2: Remove Roadblocks
Make Progress Possible
Next, we talk about what’s working, and what’s getting in the way.
I ask:
- What have you accomplished since our last meeting?
- What are you working on right now?
- What’s standing in your way?
I’m not here to fix everything on the spot. But if something’s slowing them down, I want to know, and help clear the path.
Support leads to progress. But first, you have to listen.
Step 3: Focus on Growth
Don’t Skip the Development
This is where most one-on-ones fall short.
Beyond tasks and to-dos, I always carve out time for growth:
- What are you learning?
- What skills do you want to build?
- What areas excite or challenge you?
Sometimes it’s a podcast. Sometimes it’s a coach. Like when Caleb took on a new role, we didn’t just hope he figured it out, we got him a coach to walk with him.
Want to develop leaders? Don’t just challenge them. Equip them.
The Secret Question That Changes Everything
Once or twice a year, I ask:
“If you woke up five years from now and life was perfect, what would it look like?”
That one question reframes everything. It moves the conversation from execution to vision.
Because great leadership isn’t just about performance, it’s about purpose.
What One-on-Ones Are Really About
Still think you don’t have time for one-on-ones?
Here’s the truth:
- They’re not about fixing problems, they’re about preventing them.
- They’re not about tracking tasks, they’re about building trust.
- They’re not about performance reviews, they’re about people.
When done well, these meetings make your team feel seen, supported, and equipped.
And that’s when they start leading better too.
Want a Simple Way to Lead With Consistency?
If you’re looking to lead more consistently, not just in meetings, but every day, create a free tool that can help: The 30-Day Leadership Plan.
Inside you’ll find:
✅ My one-on-one meeting framework
✅ Four daily habits that drive personal growth
✅ Goal-setting prompts
✅ Tools to help you stay focused and aligned
👉 Download you free 30-Day Leadership Plan
Because leadership doesn’t grow by accident, it grows through intentional conversations. One at a time.
Tyler on the Power of One-on-One Meetings
In this short video, Tyler shares why one-on-one meetings are one of the most valuable tools a leader can use, and how they can transform trust, alignment, and growth on your team.
▶ Watch: The Power of One-on-One Meetings
You’ll hear practical ways to make these conversations more intentional, from clearing roadblocks to inspiring personal development, all in just 30 focused minutes a month.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
