[stakkur]

Despite intentions by my two previous managers, I try to minimize and avoid '1-1' meetings. Why? Because I want a relationship with the manager where we can talk whenever we need to, instead of having a weekly 'meeting' with an 'agenda', etc. in my long work life, the best experiences have always been where I had no 1-1.

The common argument I hear (from managers and others) is 'but we just want a time that's guaranteed reserved, in case you need it'. But that's a calendar problem, not a 1-1 problem. If a manager needs to put me on the 'calendar' to be sure that they can talk to me, they've failed as a manager.

TL;DR: '1-1' meetings are unnecessary when you have a manager who understands communication and realizes their job is to help you succeed, not 'supervise' you.