How to Have a Great One-on-One

Most manufacturing leaders struggle to make one-on-ones meaningful—they’re either too task-focused, get cancelled frequently, or fail to build real trust. In this episode, Bart Hoemann, operations executive with leadership experience at PACCAR, Kenworth, New Flyer, and Grady, shares his proven approach to conducting one-on-ones that drive performance and develop people. You’ll learn how to establish confidentiality and trust from day one, prepare effectively without over-structuring the conversation, balance task focus with personal development, avoid taking on every problem yourself, and stay present even when you’re under pressure. Whether you’re a new supervisor or an experienced plant manager, these insights will help you transform one-on-ones from obligatory check-ins into powerful leadership tools.