> EDIT: another tool for defusing the superior/subordinate awkwardness is to change the location of the meeting. Most 1-on-1 meetings (in my experience) happen

> EDIT: another tool for defusing the superior/subordinate awkwardness is to change the location of the meeting. Most 1-on-1 meetings (in my experience) happen in the manager's office, which immediately puts the employee on the defensive. Great tip! I had a manager a long time ago that did just that. If we couldn't go grab coffee or something they would book a conference room other than their office. He explained to me why he did it and it was on of the first things I made sure to do when I began managing.