> Using 1:1s to track what someone is working on is also archaic. There are plenty of modern methods to assess output across a range of functions. Wasting time

> Using 1:1s to track what someone is working on is also archaic. There are plenty of modern methods to assess output across a range of functions. Wasting time on status updates is inefficient. That is exactly what the 1:1 is NOT. Use status sync/dailies for this, these updates should not be directed to the manager (unless you hate collaboration, giving your team visibility, or want to consolidate everything in you). The quality of the 1:1 depends on the manager, I've been on both sides in this. Some managers want to fill all the 1:1 time into "keeping in check" because they hate any moment of silence, but the 1:1 is the reports meeting, not the manager. If the manager talks more than 25% in the 1:1 then they are doing it wrong The 1:1 is a safe space for the report to bring things that most of the time they might not prefer to give in public or to measure the current project feeling. Engineers can sense things way before the manager does, with a good rapport, you can get a lot of things fast and change course early, for example: - Are we well equipped to deliver things, are we drowning in meetings or useless processes? - If what we are doing is important/worth it. This is important for retention, and also if they feel disconnected from the product. - Feelings about codebase health, system health, and pipeline health. Generally, I ask broad questions and it does not take long for the person to bring up things they are passionate about. Also, managing is caring and liking to talk with people, if the IC wants to take the time to talk about something like their trip or their cat it is their meeting to do so, let them drive the agenda. Some people call this good for "rapport" but it is just "making friendship". People last way more than companies and projects. Also, not everyone needs to have weekly 1:1s, if the 1:1 ends fast, increase the time in between. Same if they are taking the full 30 mins, increase the frequency/time. Some people are also way more outspoken and opinionated than others. Some people take more time to be talkative, and that's okay. But you need to know them first.