I don't think I've ever left a 1:1 feeling like I didn't waste my time, both as a manager and team member. The structure of a 1-1 (as described by the playbook) forces you to see problems where there are none. They are forced and contrived.
A natural check-in every once in a while is much preferred in my book, I trust my team members to bring up actual problems as soon as they see them. A leading question forcing some reflection is fine but forced meetings for the sake of the meeting is wrong.
A natural check-in every once in a while is much preferred in my book, I trust my team members to bring up actual problems as soon as they see them. A leading question forcing some reflection is fine but forced meetings for the sake of the meeting is wrong.