If you only master one meeting format as a leader, make it this one. In this episode of 10-Minute Masterclass, Trey Sheneman reveals why one-on-one meetings are the single most powerful tool for building alignment, culture, and influence in your organization. He shares how to approach them with clarity—whether you're leading up, out, or down—and the three rules that make every 1:1 more impactful and less awkward.

Key Takeaways

• Most meetings are a waste of time—1:1s are the exception when done well.
• Great 1:1s aren’t status updates—they’re alignment multipliers.
• There are three types of 1:1s:
  • Down (with direct reports): Focus on coaching, clarity, and personal growth. Ask: What’s going well? Where are you stuck? What do you need from me? Where are you trying to grow?
  • Out (with peers): Focus on collaboration and cross-functional clarity. Ask: What’s your top priority? How can we support each other? Are we creating roadblocks?
  • Up (with your boss): Focus on influence and proactivity. Come prepared with wins, blockers, and clear asks. Ask: Where do you want more visibility from me?
• The 3 rules for running effective 1:1s:
  • Own the agenda—come prepared.
  • Go below surface level—talk real blockers, growth, and clarity.
  • Track meeting progress—not just project progress.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00] – The most important meeting in your calendar each week.

[01:30] – Why most meetings are inefficient—but 1:1s are the exception.

[02:30] – The goal of 1:1s is alignment, not updates.

[03:30] – Leading down: Coaching and clarity for direct reports.

[05:00] – Questions to ask your team: What's going well? Where are you stuck?

[06:00] – Leading out: Collaborate across teams and build trust.

[07:30] – Leading up: Influence your manager by bringing clarity and solutions.

[08:30] – 3 universal rules for running great 1:1s.

[10:00] – Final challenge: Apply these approaches and multiply your leadership.

Want to work with Trey and his Team? Then go to Herald: 🔗 Herald – https://www.weareherald.co/  Want to connect with Trey for a follow up question?

Find him on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/treyshen/ 

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https://www.thecompassmethod.co/crashcourse 

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