Stop Canceling Your One-on-Ones! Here's How to Make Them Count

Episode SummaryIn this mini-pod episode, Jacqueline shares a practical seven-question framework to transform your one-on-one meetings from basic check-ins into meaningful growth opportunities. She explains how to apply her LATTE method (Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate) to create more intentional and empowering conversations with your team members.The Seven Question FrameworkWhat are you working on and what's going well?What challenges are you anticipating?What does success look like this month?Who do you need support from and how can I help?What have you learned recently and how can we apply it?What progress have you made on your goals since our last meeting?Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?Common Problems with One-on-OnesLack of structureToo much focus on tasks rather than growthMissed opportunities for coaching and developmentMeetings getting canceled or postponed repeatedlyTurning into status updates that duplicate team meetingsThe LATTE Method Applied to One-on-OnesL - LookQuestion: What are you working on and what's going well?Purpose: Builds momentum, trust, and psychological safetySuggested phrasing: "Let's kick off with a win. What's something you're proud of this week?"Caution: Don't skip celebrating wins and jump straight to problemsA - AnticipateQuestion: What challenges are you anticipating?Purpose: Encourages proactive thinking and builds coaching relationshipSuggested phrasing: "Is there anything that might create friction over the next week or so?"Focus: Help team members strengthen their ability to foresee potential issuesT - ThinkQuestion: What does success look like this month?Purpose: Centers conversation on their goals, not just yoursSuggested phrasing: "Imagine it's the end of the month and you crushed it - what happened?"Tip: Be comfortable with pauses; don't define success for themT - TalkQuestion: Who do you need support from and how can I help?Purpose: Builds leadership voice, emotional intelligence, and a support mindsetSuggested phrasing: "Who else needs to be in the loop? How can I back you up?"Reminder: Empower your team member rather than taking on all responsibilityE - EvaluateQuestion: What have you learned recently and how can we apply it?Purpose: Promotes reflection, celebrates growth, and improves decision-makingSuggested phrasing: "What's one lesson you've picked up recently? How can we use that?"Tip: Focus on insights, not just outputsAdditional ResourcesLinkedIn Lunch and Learn: Additional tools and dashboard for leveling up one-on-onesVisit zerogap.co for detailsCheck out the Resilient Leaders Program by ZeroGap