Nothing influences motivation, satisfaction, and retention more than the relationship an engineer has with their manager. Give your direct reports your time and attention, show them that you value them for who they are, as well as for what they do, and they will go to the wall for you. One of the most effective tools for establishing this kind of rapport is the weekly one-on-one meeting.
We will discuss the elements of effective one-on-ones, including what should be on the agenda, how to schedule them, and where to have them. We will also discuss how to initiate one-on-ones if you aren't already doing them.
"One-on-Ones: The single most effective management tool."
-- Manager Tools
Mark Horstman and Michael Auzenne
"Managers who use one-on-one meetings consistently
find them one of the most effective and productive
uses of their management time."
-- The One Minute Manager
Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson