2302 : The Art of Peacetime Communication: Why One-on-One Meetings Outshine Emergency Dialogues

Typically benefit of One on One meeting are listed in according to Chat GPD...www

1. Clear Communication: 
2. Building Relationships: 
3. Personalized Feedback: 
4. Increased Engagement: 
5. Problem-Solving:
6. Goal Setting and Alignment: 
7. Identifying Opportunities and Challenges: 
8. Increased Accountability: 
9. Flexibility and Adaptation: 
10. Emphasizing Individual Value: 
11. Conflict Resolution: 
    

They are definitely correct, but I think that it misses an essential prerequisite that it is to be held in peacetime. It is common sense, but I believe it is a vital element of why one-on-one meetings do work and lead to effective results.

When does the manager communicate with staff? Usually when they need to talk about some issues or emergency. At that time, managers try to talk about essential points and core points which are usually painful for both manager and staff. The problem usually needs to be solved within a constrained timeframe and budget, transforming the discussion into something more akin to an investigation than a dialogue.

On the other hand, one-on-one meetings occur on a regular basis, regardless of whether it's busy or not, sunny or rainy. These interactions are not event-driven. There are no urgent agenda items or issues, but within the planned time slot, both sides can converse freely. Theoretically, the staff's side is the main speaker in a one-on-one meeting, but it should be interactive communication. Sometimes the material or agenda might be lacking, but both sides try to find topics that might include concerns and threats. I think that this dynamic allows for the most effective risk identification and preventive action, which can be addressed spontaneously and solved within current resources as part of routine work.

Emergency situations are akin to fire breaks; they become priority activities. Staff may or should become involved in resolving the emergency, even stopping all their daily routine activities. In these situations, how the manager begins the dialogue with staff is crucial. It often would not be a dialogue at all, but rather an order.

In conclusion, regular one-on-one meetings held in times of peace enable an open and interactive conversation that can lead to effective risk management and problem-solving. By contrast, emergency communications are more directive and less collaborative, reflecting the urgency of the situation. The practice of consistent one-on-one meetings can foster a more collaborative and responsive team, ready to handle both the routine and the unexpected.