EdTech Insight – 5 Signs Your One-on-Ones Aren’t Working

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Harvard Business Review, News & Insights

Executive Summary and Main Points

Recent discussions in the international education and digital transformation sector reveal the importance and challenges of one-on-one meetings between management and direct reports. These meetings, usually conducted on a weekly or biweekly basis, aim to align expectations and build trust within teams, fostering stronger relationships and improved feedback mechanisms. Persistent obstacles include disinterest in attending meetings, time mismanagement, difficulties in filling allotted time, feelings of deflation post-meeting, and multi-tasking, which deteriorates meeting quality.

Potential Impact in the Education Sector

The one-on-one dynamics elucidated could significantly influence Further Education and Higher Education by shaping the faculty-administration and admin-student communications. In the context of Micro-credentials, these meetings are fundamental to monitoring progress and mentoring. Emphasizing strategic partnerships, these interactions can lead to tailored support for learners and educators alike, enhancing the educational experience. Digitalization in the education sector could also streamline processes and create more opportunities for personal interaction and feedback.

Potential Applicability in the Education Sector

One-on-one meeting strategies have a broad applicability in global education systems, where AI and digital tools can provide enhancements. AI-driven scheduling systems could optimize meeting times, while sentiment analysis and feedback tools can offer insights into the effectiveness of these interactions. Additionally, digital platforms can facilitate goal setting, tracking, and the resolution of problems, providing a structured approach to personal development within the educational framework.

Criticism and Potential Shortfalls

Critiques of one-on-one meeting structures in education highlight potential issues of cultural insensitivity or ethical concerns, particularly when algorithm-based tools drive interactions. Comparative case studies of international institutions could demonstrate the variance in effectiveness and acceptance of this approach. Additionally, there is a risk that over-reliance on digital tools might depersonalize the teacher-student or employer-employee relationship, which is foundational for trust-building in education.

Actionable Recommendations

For the integration of one-on-one meeting strategies within the education sector, it’s recommended that leaders and administrators consider tools that facilitate not just scheduling and feedback but also personal engagement. Training programs for educators and managers on effective one-on-one communication, paired with technology for administrative support, can enrich these interactions. Educational leaders should strategically assess the blend of digital and human components to enhance the impact of one-on-one meetings globally.

Source article: https://hbr.org/2024/06/5-signs-your-one-on-ones-arent-working