How to run effective one-to-ones for managers
Effective one‑to‑ones are one of the the most powerful tools a people manager has. They improve performance, strengthen relationships, and keep people focused on the work that matters. This training shows managers and team leaders exactly how to run one‑to‑ones that are structured, supportive, and productive. One-to-ones should be valued by both the team member and their manager, this training shows you how to achieve this.
Who This Training Is For
Managers, team leaders, supervisors, and anyone responsible for leading people. Whether new to management or experienced, this training strengthens this core skill and improves team performance.
Why One‑to‑Ones Matter
Regular one‑to‑ones give employees clarity, direction, and a safe space to talk openly. For managers, they provide early visibility of issues, opportunities, and performance trends. When done well, they reduce firefighting, improve engagement, and build trust.
Now consider the opposite, what happens if you don’t have one-to-ones with each member of your team. Discussions on feedback might just happen at annual reviews which can be hugely demotivating. Does your team member really know your thoughts on their work. Are you in touch with how they are thinking? One-to-ones ensure you and they are in touch to ensure a great result in your collaboration.
What a Good One‑to‑One Should Achieve
Alignment on priorities and expectations
Removal of blockers slowing progress
Honest, two‑way feedback
Support for development and wellbeing
Clear next steps and accountability
Duration
60/90 minutes and possibly longer with time added for practise.
Agenda
This is the overall agenda which can be adapted to suit your needs
- The purpose of one-to-ones
- Setting the scene & contracting to establish expectations
- Agreeing the structure of your one-to-ones with your team member
- The role of feedback in one-to-ones
- How to give feedback positively in one-to-ones
- How to take feedback positively in one-to-ones
- Guiding the conversation
- Questioning skills to explore their issues.
- Summarising and agreeing actions
Outcomes
You will gain a clear understanding of the importance of one-to-ones and why they are a vital part of managing.
You’ll gain simple and effective tools for running one-to-ones.
You will have the chance to discuss your questions and concerns with the experienced trainer.
Pre-workshop
You’re asked to consider your current approach to on-to-ones and where you would like to develop, including the questions you’d like to ask the experienced trainer.
Post workshop
You will gain access to our learning videos on this subject.
In-person or virtual
This training on how to run effective one-to-ones for managers can be run as either a virtual or in-person session.
Number of Participants
The number of participants ranges from twelve to thirty depending on your objectives for the training, and whether you want a workshop or webinar/seminar style session.
Tailoring the training to your needs
- The detailed contents of the one-to-one training is tailored to your organisation.
- Using models/frameworks you already use if required, like referencing a personality model.
- Scenarios that are typical for the participants.
- Timings and duration to suit you.
Next steps
Complete the form below to get a quote and start the discussion.
Case Studies
Reviews
We truly appreciate the effort, energy, and flexibility you brought to the programme, and we look forward to working with you again soon.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for designing and delivering such an excellent programme for the IT Helpdesk team.
It’s clear that a lot of thought and expertise went into both the content and delivery. The sessions were engaging, practical, and highly relevant to the team’s needs, which made a real impact.
We truly appreciate the effort, energy, and flexibility you brought to the programme, and we look forward to working with you again soon.
Many thanks once again.
Farzana Hussain
Learning and Development Manager
Genuinely one of the best training sessions I have attended!
I can honestly say the training sessions delivered by Martin were one of the most valuable professional development experiences I’ve had. Martin has a rare ability to truly understand the needs of his audience and tailor his training accordingly — nothing felt generic or off-the-shelf. He covered some of the most essential skills in leadership, including conflict resolution and how to deliver constructive feedback in a way that motivates rather than demoralises — and he did so in a way that was practical, relatable, and immediately applicable. His delivery is engaging, his knowledge is exceptional, and he breaks down concepts in a way thay makes it easy to grasp and put into action. The concepts he taught are things I’ll carry with me and apply throughout my career. I cannot rate the training content and Martin as a trainer highly enough!
Management Team Training
Martin was incredibly insightful and helpful to myself and the other managers currently establishing our new QA team / Function. His guided discussions proved beneficial in allowing us to identify issues and points that needed addressing that were not on our radar and immediately we have already seen the benefit of applying his teachings in our day to day management of our team. Thank you very much Martin
Well conducted workshop with intended results
Martin filled the role of educator with marvellous presence and sensitivity. The material was well prepared, and he did a wonderful job of evoking participation with the group. I found the workshop to be meaningful and effective in improving team communication and enforcing a collaboratively established definition of what assertiveness means in our company culture.
Professional Business Communication Training
The session provided genuinely helpful tips on how to engage with different personality types and offered a deeper understanding of effective communication in a corporate environment. I walked away with some excellent tools and practical pointers to put into practice. The mix of real-life examples and scenario-based exercises really made us reflect on our own communication styles. It was the most engaging and helpful training session I’ve attended. Very engaging and informative, no reading off slides, and the time flew by.
I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their client communication skills.
Make an Enquiry
