--- title: The Top Three Tools for Conducting Successful One-on-Ones with Employees description: One-on-ones are a supervisor's secret sauce. They’re where trust grows, ideas flourish, and bonds strengthen. image: https://www.kevburns.com/hubfs/Blog%2020240223.jpg --- The Top Three Tools for Conducting Successful One-on-Ones with Employees [![KevBurns Learning: We teach industrial supervisors how to be really great leaders.](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kev-Burns-Learning-white.png?width=240&height=118&name=Kev-Burns-Learning-white.png "KevBurns Learning: We teach industrial supervisors how to be really great leaders.")](https://www.kevburns.com/) - [About](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [Supervisor Academy](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors) - [7 Reasons to Not Work With Us](https://www.kevburns.com/7-reasons-not-to-work-with-us) - [52 Benefits of Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/52-benefits) - [Hope Calculator](https://www.kevburns.com/calculator) - [Issues](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [People](https://www.kevburns.com/people-issues) - [Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [Escalations](https://www.kevburns.com/escalation-issues) - [Resources](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Books](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Newsletter](https://www.kevburns.com/newsletter) - [Downloads](https://www.kevburns.com/downloads) - [Case Study NBU](https://www.kevburns.com/nbu-case-study) - [Case Study WCC](https://www.kevburns.com/wcc-case-study-2026) - [ROI Videos](https://www.kevburns.com/videos) - [Speaking](https://www.kevburns.com/speaking) - [Media/Podcast](https://www.kevburns.com/media) - [Blog](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.kevburns.com/contact-us) - [About](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [Supervisor Academy](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors) - [7 Reasons to Not Work With Us](https://www.kevburns.com/7-reasons-not-to-work-with-us) - [52 Benefits of Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/52-benefits) - [Hope Calculator](https://www.kevburns.com/calculator) - [Issues](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [People](https://www.kevburns.com/people-issues) - [Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [Escalations](https://www.kevburns.com/escalation-issues) - [Resources](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Books](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Newsletter](https://www.kevburns.com/newsletter) - [Downloads](https://www.kevburns.com/downloads) - [Case Study NBU](https://www.kevburns.com/nbu-case-study) - [Case Study WCC](https://www.kevburns.com/wcc-case-study-2026) - [ROI Videos](https://www.kevburns.com/videos) - [Speaking](https://www.kevburns.com/speaking) - [Media/Podcast](https://www.kevburns.com/media) - [Blog](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.kevburns.com/contact-us) # Kevin Burns Blog #### Improve safety culture. Build teamwork. Get employee buy-in. [Current Articles](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) [RSS](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/rss.xml) [Why Work With Kevin?](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) # The Top Three Tools for Conducting Successful One-on-Ones with Employees Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on February 23, 2024 Hello, my fellow supervisors! I see you there, juggling tasks, managing schedules, and keeping the wheels of your team turning. But let’s pause for a moment. Take a deep breath, because today, we’re diving into the heart of leadership—the one-on-one conversations with your team members.   ![Blog 20240223](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020240223.jpg?width=1080&height=1080&name=Blog%2020240223.jpg)   ## Why One-on-Ones Matter Picture this: You’re sitting across from your employee, coffee mugs in hand, and the hum of machinery fades into the background. This is your sacred space—the one-on-one. It’s not just a check-in; it’s a chance to connect, understand, and nurture growth. Here’s how these conversations can transform your team: ### 1. **Listening with Intent**: Ears Wide Open Your team members aren’t just cogs in the corporate machine; they’re humans with dreams, fears, and stories. So, lean in and listen. Not the half-hearted *glancing-at-your-phone* kind of listening. Nuh-uh. Active listening: - **Empathize**: Imagine walking in their shoes. What’s their day like? What keeps them awake at night? How are they viewing the job? What do they see that you don't? - **Ask Open-Ended Questions**: “Tell me more.” “How did that make you feel?” "How would you fix this?" "What's your opinion?" These questions open doors. - **Silence Speaks**: Sometimes, the most profound moments happen in silence. Let your silence breathe. You're not listening if you're talking. This is their time to speak.   [![the carefull supervisor; a compassionate and practical business guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237929/interactive-157047761059.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIdhxo6gdqnWIk6b73b6QfwKZTjZ3DtqN9WVoln14y2WfwhnuZIsrXhPpD%2BvSsIEYJo2JbH2heY4h%2FGpDa7TwszeIt9McurpYumPcYwDADy8WQ69jNkbC5yPWx4PDmC9rAfJrsiTKPQhWuW6wdEeqgslhx2UvDDc8%2Fe2EtM3eC%2BWJ1DrY3hbDlTd3Fh%2B3tMbeRUOA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=157047761059&portalId=237929)   ### 2. **Speak Their Language**: No Jargon Zone Remember, you’re not reciting a legal document. Your team shouldn’t need a dictionary to decode your words. Keep it simple: - **Clear Expectations**: “Here’s what I expect.” No cryptic messages. If it was your own teenage kid you were speaking to, would they recognize you? Use the same way of explaining to employees you would explain to a cared-for member of your own family. - **Feedback Sandwich**: Pepper your one-on-ones with plenty of positives. In [Module 6 of our PeopleWork Supervisor training program](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors), we show you the real positive-to-critical comments ratio for keeping teams motivated. - **Celebrate Wins**: “High-five, superstar!” Acknowledge victories, big or small. Spring for donuts, breakfast sandwiches, whatever. Food makes it an event. Where there's food, it feels more social. ### 3. **Positive Vibes Only**: Sprinkle Kindness Words are like seeds. Plant something positive and watch it bloom: - **Appreciation Bouquets**: “Thank you for staying late.” “Your attention to detail rocks!” - **Growth Mindset**: “Mistakes happen. Let’s learn.” Encourage resilience. - **Constructive, Not Destructive**: “Let’s tweak this approach.” No finger-pointing.   [![PWS 07](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237929/interactive-141069320074.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLzIxgpoPqGx2B7i0aTcgxiJ0i0NixcXHXUVBX5mCJnvkWlCFZk%2FgZjecamrRHBFFiLchWj3ogiBYo2TjYIN5bIssMiVKOSqpr09QHaj%2BtFODAEI10oYN01ITDMpHd%2Fh0vk6FeHiU4qB47TQqlCtAyHJbHGMfKiYYfKz3%2BwmokiiTDAEsBz1MkFZH3pUEyis3ufuxbgCnygrw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=141069320074&portalId=237929)   ## Takeaways for Your Supervisor Toolbox 1. **Frequency Matters**: Regular one-on-ones build trust. Weekly or biweekly - but the best is daily for one or two minutes if you can. 2. **Agenda Magic**: Set an agenda. What’s on their plate? What’s on yours? Keep it balanced. What do you want to accomplish with this conversation? Every connection with your team should have a reason to take them away from their work. 3. **Walk the Talk**: If you promise support, deliver it. Actions speak louder than buzzwords. Don't miss the deadlines and the I'll-get-back-to-you's that you promise. You can't make a promise and then forget it. One-on-ones are your secret sauce. They’re where trust grows, ideas flourish, and bonds strengthen. So, sip that coffee, listen deeply, and be the supervisor your team wants to have. 🌟 P.S. [For more wisdom, dive into Kevin Burns’s book, **The CareFull Supervisor**](https://carefullsupervisor.com)[1](https://1drv.ms/w/s). It’s like a treasure chest of leadership gems. --- **Takeaway Ideas**: 1. **Frequency Matters**: Regular one-on-ones build trust. 2. **Agenda Magic**: Set an agenda. Keep it balanced. 3. **Walk the Talk**: Actions speak louder than buzzwords. Topics: [supervisor training](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-training), [supervisor leadership](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-leadership), [the carefull supervisor](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/the-carefull-supervisor), [positive supervisor](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/positive-supervisor) ### Subscribe today to Kevin's blog --- Kevin Burns' newest book, **The CareFull Supervisor**. This is the book that every frontline supervisor should read.   ![carefull-supervisor-3d-covers-400-1](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/carefull-supervisor-3d-covers-400-1.png?width=253&height=253&name=carefull-supervisor-3d-covers-400-1.png)   **BUY NOW:** [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/CareFull-Supervisor-Tools-Succeed-Employees/dp/1039197256)| [B&N](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carefull-supervisor-kevin-burns/1144577942) | [Indigo](https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/the-carefull-supervisor-the-tools-to-succeed-and-be-the-supervisor-employees-want-to-have/9781039197268.html)| [FreisenPress](https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000383321344)| [Kobo](https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-carefull-supervisor)| Audible --- ### Recent Posts - [About](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [Supervisor Academy](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors) - [Blog](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) #### © 2026 PeopleWork Align Inc. 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