When I tell people I don’t run regular 1:1s, I get raised eyebrows.
But here’s the thing – it’s not because I don’t care. It’s because I do.
Better Business, Better Life – Issue 162
BUSINESS TOOLS & REAL-LIFE LESSONS
Why I Don’t Do Regular 1:1s (And You Might Not Need to Either)
Like many of you, I want to build businesses that don’t rely on one person at the top.
I want aligned teams, fast decision-making & clarity of priorities – not a diary full of disconnected catch-ups that drain time & energy.
Turns out I’m not alone. Mark Zuckerberg – yes, that Zuckerberg – doesn’t do scheduled 1:1s either.
Not even in a $1.5 trillion business.
Instead, he relies on high-functioning team meetings. It’s strikingly similar to the EOS Level 10 Meeting™ format we use with leadership teams every week.
I had a client recently – a professional services firm – where the CEO was drowning in back-to-back 1:1s. Their day looked busy, but nothing was moving forward.
After introducing EOS, we ditched the constant check-ins, tightened up their Level 10s, & introduced Quarterly Conversations. Within weeks, the CEO had space to think again.
The leadership team stepped up, took ownership, & started solving their own issues.
That’s when real leadership starts – not when you’re micromanaging, but when the team runs without you.
Here’s why this works – & why I recommend it:
💡 1. Accountability lives in the team, not the diary
Real accountability isn’t a cosy manager-to-direct report chat. It’s peer-to-peer. When you review your Scorecard, ROCKs & People Headlines as a team each week, everyone sees who’s on track – & who’s not. That transparency creates natural pressure to perform. No hiding. No excuses.
💡 2. Solve issues where they start – in the room
Zuckerberg solves strategy problems in his weekly leadership meeting. EOS teams do the same – using IDS to tackle the real issues, not symptoms. When the whole team identifies, discusses & solves together, you build buy-in, momentum & action.
💡 3. Ditch the fluff, keep the focus
Let’s be honest – most 1:1s are a mix of status updates, therapy sessions & diary conflicts. Level 10 Meetings focus on what matters: data, priorities & people. They’re consistent, time-bound & outcome-driven. Less talk, more traction.
💡 4. Quarterly Conversations + Weekly L10s = LMA Done Right
If you’re leading, managing & holding your people accountable (what we call LMA), here’s the good news: you don’t need weekly 1:1s. A well-run weekly Level 10 Meeting, paired with a meaningful Quarterly Conversation, gives you everything you need to stay connected, aligned & in sync with your team – without the time suck.
This isn’t for everyone. If you like control, micromanagement & being the bottleneck – keep your 1:1s.
But if you want a self-managing, aligned leadership team that solves its own problems & drives the business forward? Try the EOS way.
Want to learn how to make this work in your business?
Let’s talk – email me at debra@businessaction.com.au
LINKS TO USEFUL STUFF
This section gives you quick access to 3 links - to articles, blogs, podcasts & stuff that will help you to create a better business & lead a better life.
Better Business and Life Resources
Article
Run 1:1s Like Mini Level 10 Meetings
Boost clarity by treating your 1-1s like focused Level 10s.
Podcast
Redesigning Business and Life with EOS
Design a better business and life using the EOS framework.
Life Stuff
Why It’s Okay to Talk About Your Feelings
Learn how to open up your feelings to build connection.
WE RUN ON EOS 2025
Something exciting is coming to Melbourne…
If you’re running on EOS, self-implementing, or still figuring out if EOS is right for your business – this is for you.
On Friday, 5th September, we’re bringing together entrepreneurial leaders from across Australia for We Run on EOS – a one-day conference at Pullman on the Park, packed with practical tools, real-world stories & high-impact learning.
Proudly sponsored by Business Action, the day features EOS legends like Kelly Knight, Don Tinney & Mark O’Donnell, plus hands-on breakout sessions designed to help you sharpen your tools, solve real challenges & connect with others on the same journey.
Want in?
We’ve got a limited number of guest tickets available – and yes, there’s a special discount for those in the know 😉
Just reach out to me at debra@businessaction.com.au or Adam at adam@businessaction.com.au & we’ll see what we can do.
Hope to see you there!
We are here to help you live a better life by creating a better business. We are real-life business owners with years of experience & a strong desire to make a huge difference to the lives of entrepreneurs.
If anything here resonates with you or you would like our help, then please get in contact. Just reply to this newsletter & let us know who you would like to speak to…. Or visit our webpage & contact any of our team from their own pages.
If you know someone who would benefit from reading this, then please forward it onto them. 💖
NEED HELP?
If you’d like to learn more about any of these tools or would like to find out how I can help you achieve a better life through creating a better business, then book a free Discovery Call with me.
We’ll talk about what you want to get from your business & your life & come up with a plan to do that!
Debra Chantry-Taylor
Certified EOS Implementer | Accredited Family Business Advisor | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Speaker & Workshop Facilitator