The Wanderer

Overview The article reflects on a manager at a first startup who consistently runs effective one-on-ones, providing structure and productivity, but occasionally dominates the conversation, highlighting the balance needed in managerial communication.

Key Takeaways

• Consistent 1:1 cadence builds trust and clarity.
• Over-talking can erode the benefits of structured meetings.
• Managers should listen actively and give space for team input.
• Simple rituals can improve team morale and performance.

Who Would Benefit

• New engineering managers looking to establish effective 1:1 practices.
• Senior leaders aiming to refine their communication style.
• Individual contributors seeking better manager interactions.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• One-on-One meeting framework.
• Active listening techniques.