Episode 51: How to Run 1:1 Meetings That Actually Improve Performance

Episode 1 in the series Execution That Scales

If your one-on-one meetings feel like updates instead of progress, you’re not alone.

In this episode, James shares the story of a founder who held their first real Progress Meeting — not another status check, but a meaningful dialogue where both leader and employee walked away with understanding.

A true Progress Meeting creates clarity around three essentials: what’s expected, what’s most important, and how performance is measured. It’s not about talking more — it’s about listening better.

This episode is for founders and managers who are ready to stop filling time and start developing people.

Why most one-on-one meetings fail to create progress
The three essentials for engagement: expectations, priorities, and performance
How clarity builds understanding and drives ownership
Why Progress Meetings aren’t extra work — they are the work

Reflection Questions

What’s really happening in your one-on-ones — progress or just updates?
Did your last meeting create clarity for both of you, or just keep the routine alive?

Links and Resources