[codingdave]

I think they are critical to making sure the communication path is open enough that you can "just schedule an hour together". Sometimes self-managed people get so disconnected from their boss that it can feel weird to call them up.

So have the weekly call. If it only takes 30 seconds to say, "Nothing this week", fine. But you have the habit established so that it is easy to talk when something does come up. And I've found that over time, it helps build a productive working relationship so you don't end up being a lone worker hiding in your corner, stagnating away.