[crimsontech]

> Managers should make time for team members whenever they need it, and team members should be free to ask.

This would be ideal and if the managers only job is to manage a team, this has never been the case for me though. Management has always just been an added responsibility for me. Generally I'm doing the same work as the team + managing the team so I'm not just sat around waiting for someone to come to me with something they need help with.

Additionally, I have had rare cases where team members won't ask for help when they do need it, it's not easy for some people to admit they are struggling. If you just wait for them to come to you, it's often when they reach breaking point. In these cases a regular time slot to catch up is useful.

There really is no right or wrong, you can't manage everyone with a set template. Some people are independent and like to be left alone, some thrive off feedback loops, others enjoy the social aspect of a 1:1 and will spend it telling you about their weekend or just getting to know you better.

What works for me is setting the 1:1s and making it it clear they can be cancelled by the team member if they want.