8. Why One-on-One Meetings are Essential (and How the G.O.O.D Template Makes Them Easier)

Do your one-on-one meetings feel a bit awkward or unproductive? 

You’re not alone—many leaders find it difficult to get meaningful feedback or know what to say. But here’s the thing: regular one-on-ones are essential for improving performance, boosting employee engagement, and building a strong team culture. 

When done right, they help you stay connected to your team and ensure everyone is on the same page.

The challenge is that without structure, these meetings can feel like a waste of time. That’s why we’ve created the G.O.O.D template—a simple yet effective way to guide your one-on-one conversations and get the most out of them.

Why Are One-on-One Meetings So Important?

1. They show you care: Regular check-ins demonstrate to your employees that their work matters and that you’re invested in their success.
2. They prevent issues from escalating: By addressing challenges early, you can avoid small problems turning into bigger ones.
3. They boost engagement and motivation: Employees who feel heard and supported are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
4. They improve performance: Focused conversations help employees stay on track with their goals, leading to better results for your business.

How the G.O.O.D Template Works

Using the G.O.O.D template, you can keep your one-on-ones focused and productive:

G – What are the Goals? How are they Tracking?

Start by discussing your employee’s goals. What are they working on, and how are they progressing? This sets the tone for the meeting and helps you both understand what’s going well. Also, ask about growth—what new skills or improvements have they made recently?

O – What are the Obstacles?

Here’s where you tackle any challenges. What’s standing in the way of progress? Ask your employee how they can overcome these obstacles, and offer support where needed.

O – What are the Opportunities?

Next, look for opportunities to improve. Is there anything your employee thinks could be done better or more efficiently? Or maybe there’s an opportunity for them to take on new responsibilities. This is where real growth happens.

D – What Do We Need to Do?

Finally, agree on the next steps. Set a clear direction, make decisions on what needs to be done, and lock in dates for when tasks should be completed. This creates accountability and ensures there’s a plan moving forward.

Follow Up:

It’s important to follow up on any action points before the next meeting. 

Be clear about what needs to be done, who will do it, and when it needs to be completed by. This adds accountability and drives progress.

By using the G.O.O.D template, you can turn awkward one-on-ones into productive, meaningful conversations that help your team—and your business—thrive.

Download the template here:

Looking for more simple tools to keep your business on track? Stay tuned for our Thrive to 2025 series for more tips and strategies!