How to run a 1:1 that actually improves performance like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
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The Thought
Did you know… most 1:1s fail because they become update meetings instead of growth conversations?
A leader’s job isn’t just to review work.
It’s to develop thinking, ownership, and consistency over time.
Quote:
“Don’t just manage the work. Develop the person doing the work.” – Unknown
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The Tip
Remember to…
1. Shift from updates to ownership
A manager says:
“Give me an update on what you’re working on.”
A leader asks:
“What’s one thing you’re trying to improve right now?”
“Where are you making progress?”
“Where are you getting stuck?”
1:1s shouldn’t feel like status reports.
They should feel like coaching sessions.
2. Focus on thinking, not just results
Results tell you what happened.
Thinking tells you why it happened.
A manager says:
“Great job hitting the number.”
A leader says:
“Walk me through how you approached this.”
“What worked?”
“What would you do differently next time?”
If you don’t coach the thinking, the results won’t scale.
3. End with a clear commitment
A manager ends with:
“Keep me posted.”
A leader ends with ownership:
“What’s one action you’re committed to before we meet again?”
“How will we know it worked?”
Change happens between meetings — not during them.
Managers use 1:1s to check in.
Leaders use them to build growth, thinking, and accountability.
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The Tool
Short Video: Learn how to run 1:1s that actually improve performance instead of just reviewing tasks.
See how leaders coach thinking, build ownership, and create clear next steps that drive real growth.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube
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Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓How do you support each other’s growth?
❓How can we help each other grow more effectively?
❓What opportunities can we create for growth and development?
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Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Limited time offer: Only $20 (usually $37). Use code: ACTIVITY20
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These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2026!
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Thank you for leading and lifting others out there!
-Dwight
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