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Are Your One-on-Ones Just Status Updates?
How to elevate team meetings from mundane to meaningful
Jacqueline Twillie
April 10, 2025
Hey, it’s Jacqueline. 👋
Welcome to your weekly Resilient Leader newsletter where we unpack what it really means to lead with clarity, confidence, and a little bit of edge. ⛅
Read time: 6 minutes ⏱️
This week, we’re talking about a meeting that too many of us are dreading instead of driving the infamous one-on-one. And let’s be real: sometimes they feel flat, awkward, or totally pointless. But done right? These 30-minute chats can become the most impactful time on your calendar.
If you missed the free LinkedIn Lunch & Learn I hosted on this, you’re in luck I’m breaking it all down below.
Power Phrase of the Week "Start with the win." 🏆
Because when you open with celebration instead of stress, the whole tone shifts. Whether your team member hit a goal, solved a bug, or just made it through a tough week acknowledge it. Start there.
Lanyap Leadership: The L.A.T.T.E. Method
Here’s a simple 5-step structure to make your one-on-ones more meaningful and way less awkward:
Step | Ask This Question | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Look | “What’s something you’re proud of?” | Opens the convo with energy and confidence |
Anticipate | “What challenges are coming up?” | Makes space for forward planning |
Think | “What does success look like this month?” | Helps align goals with meaning |
Talk | “Who do you need support from?” | Builds collaboration without micromanagement |
Evaluate | “What did we learn that we can apply?” | Turns hindsight into insight |
Even just using one or two of these can totally shift the vibe.
Leadership Lab: Your 10-Minute Challenge
Here's your mini mission:
Pick 3 of the 5 L.A.T.T.E. questions.
Use them in your next one-on-one (really listen, no rushing).
Afterward, jot down: What felt different? What surfaced that wouldn’t have?
Want the full list? Download the [L.A.T.T.E. 7-Question Template].
Leadership Style Check-In
Quick pulse check which one are you right now? |
Wherever you're at, the L.A.T.T.E. method meets you there.
Trend Watch
🧠 According to Harvard Business Review, 1 in 5 one-on-ones gets canceled and when they happen, they’re often rushed or surface-level.
That means missed opportunities to build trust, mentor your team, and get ahead of challenges. Leaders who structure their meetings even just a little see stronger performance, clearer communication, and fewer last-minute escalations.
Gif by goto on Giphy
Ask Jacqueline
Q: "How do I make one-on-ones more engaging with senior team members who already think they know what they’re doing?"
A: Flip the script and give them ownership. Ask, "What does success look like for you this month?" This question encourages forward thinking while giving them space to set the agenda and it often leads to more strategic conversations.
Quick Wins Spotlight
We’re throwing confetti 🎉 for Alair Castro, a Spring 2025 Resilient Leaders alum who was just promoted to Director of D&I Strategy and Marketing at Northwestern Mutual!
 |  Alair’s journey is a reminder that consistent leadership habits = big results. We see you and celebrate you! |
Job Board: Curated Remote Roles for High Performers
Apple
Amazon
American Express Explore current roles
Allstate Explore current roles
Before You Go…
Better conversations build better teams. Even just one L.A.T.T.E. question can make someone feel seen, supported, and more focused. 💬
And if this resonated with you? Imagine what 12 weeks of intentional leadership support could unlock.
We have 6 seats left in the Summer 2025 Resilient Leaders Group Coaching Program. Doors close May 16.
📩 Just reply to this email if you have questions or want to reserve your spot.
Until next week — keep emulating excellence and eliminating excuses.
It’s your Winning Season,
Jacqueline