Stop Canceling Your 1:1s – Your Team Deserves Better

Let’s cut to the chase:

If you’re regularly canceling 1:1 meetings with your team, you’re sending the wrong message—loud and clear.

These meetings aren’t just blocks on your calendar.

They’re sacred time.

Time for connection, coaching, check-ins, and just plain old human conversation.

Time your team is counting on.

And yet, I hear this all the time:

“My manager cancels our 1:1s all the time… and they never reschedule.”

If that’s you, we need to talk.

What Canceling Your 1:1 Really Says

Even if it's unintentional, repeatedly canceling 1:1s sends some pretty strong signals:

“You’re not a priority.”

“I’m not invested in your growth.”

“I don’t have time for you.”

Ouch. And the truth is, whether you realize it or not—this is how it lands.

Your 1:1 is not a “nice to have.” It’s a vital touchpoint. One of the few recurring opportunities you have to build trust, foster connection, and help your team feel seen.

Yes, Things Come Up—But That’s No Excuse

Look, I get it. You’re busy. We all are.

Meetings run over. Priorities shift. Emergencies pop up.

But leadership means showing up—even when it's inconvenient. Especially then.

When I’ve had to move a 1:1 (and yes, it happens), I always make sure to:

• Reschedule immediately. Don’t leave it in limbo.

• Shorten the meeting if needed. Even 15 minutes can go a long way.

• Give context. Let them know why you’re rescheduling.

• Offer async alternatives. A quick Loom, Slack message, or email update can keep things moving until you can talk live.

It’s not just about keeping a meeting. It’s about keeping trust.

Your Team Needs You—More Than You Might Realize

I once had an employee who worked remotely, lived alone, and didn’t have much of a local support system. Our 1:1s were more than a time to talk metrics—they were an important social anchor.

We’d chat about movies, what they were cooking, how their weekend went.

And over time, I realized that just showing up consistently made a huge difference in their sense of connection and morale.

Don’t underestimate the power of that weekly check-in. You might be the only person asking them, “How are you—really?”

No Agenda? No Problem.

Not every 1:1 needs to be packed with performance metrics and action items.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just ask:

How are you feeling this week?

What’s something you’re proud of lately?

What’s something outside of work you’re excited about?

Be curious. Be present. Be human.

Your People Are Your Business

You’re not just managing deliverables. You’re leading people.

And people need time, attention, and connection to do their best work.

So the next time your calendar fills up and that 1:1 starts to look skippable, remember this:

An investment in your team is an investment in your business.

Show up. Be consistent. Prioritize your people.

Because they’re the ones making it all happen.