Here’s a fun little math problem (don’t worry, no calculators required):
What if every manager spent 10% of their time helping their people get better?
Sounds small, right? But let’s break it down:
One employee? That’s about 4 hours a week dedicated to coaching, supporting, and helping them thrive.
Ten employees? That’s 100% of your time managing people. Which (let’s be honest) is exactly what the job is supposed to be.
And here’s the truth: if you’re not giving your people that 10%, you’re shortchanging them and your projects. When you cut corners on development, you end up paying for it later…in mistakes, rework, slow growth, and turnover.
5 Quick Ways to Use Your 10%
You don’t need to block a whole day on your calendar. Here are five simple ways to start using that time right now:
- Start with a 15-minute check-in – One focused conversation a week beats months of “catching up later.”
- Coach in the moment – When mistakes happen, take 5 minutes to guide instead of just correcting.
- Ask one growth question – “What’s one skill you’d like to get better at this month?”
- Shadow & feedback – Spend 30 minutes on-site observing, then give 3 specific pieces of feedback.
- Share a resource – Point them to an article, video, or past lesson that helps them move forward.
Download our one-on-one meeting template here
Because here’s the kicker: spending time with your people is good in theory, but without structure, it often turns into chit-chat or fire-drill updates. These templates make sure your 10% time actually counts.
When you consistently invest in your people, your projects run smoother, your team grows stronger, and your role as a manager becomes more about leadership—and less about firefighting.
