When a 1-1 conversation with your direct report is drying up

Here are some options:

• Just wrap it. Especially if they seem particularly busy or in-the-zone that day. No need to stick around just because your calendar says so.
• Ask a random work-related question. This website is great for grabbing one on the fly. Here are some more.
• Ask a random non-work question. I have a box of questions on my desk for emergencies, and there are websites like this one.
• Play a game. I’ve won and lost some great blitz chess matches on 1-1s. But make it an option: “you feel like wrapping it or playing a game or what?”