For a 1:1 to actually move performance conversations forward, managers need to do two things: be fully present in the conversation, and provide clear actions that follow. But juggling note-taking with both is a bugbear. They're either actively listening, primed and ready to respond thoughtfully, or documenting properly, and let's be honest, when sensitive topics are at hand, it’s hard to give both equal weight.
The mental space managers need to pick up on what's not being said, to respond thoughtfully, or to give feedback in the moment is often consumed by trying to capture enough detail. Then afterwards, they're piecing together what was said from patchy lines in their notepads, trying to distil the real priorities from everything discussed.
Every 1:1 should end with clear actions that move things forward. AI transcription for 1:1 meetings, powered by Microsoft Copilot, now gives managers that foundation in OpenBlend.
AI transcription powered by Microsoft Copilot
Transcription captures what's being said as it happens. After the call, that recording is distilled into themes: the main topics that came up, the concerns raised, the commitments made. Those themes feed directly into actions inside OpenBlend, which can be assigned, tracked and reviewed before the next 1:1.
Both parties can see what was discussed, what was agreed, and what's outstanding. The themes give you the context; meanwhile, the actions provide the follow-through. Everything can be edited if something needs adjusting, but the starting point is already there. The detail that disappears when someone's trying to listen and document simultaneously stays intact. Both people can stay grounded in the conversation without dividing their attention, since the record and follow-up actions are being worked on in the background.
What this means for managers and talent when having 1:1s in OpenBlend
For managers: Focus on driving outcomes from every 1:1, making conversations productive and performance-focused. Stay present in the conversation without splitting attention between listening and note-taking.
For talent: A visible record of commitments, actions and objectives. Clarity on what was agreed and what's outstanding.
For both: A shared reference point in the themes when preparing for the next conversation. The commitments are exact, the context is intact and the nuance that might have otherwise been lost is still there.
When both can return to the conversation's main themes, they're aligned on what matters and what to do next.
Why this is OpenBlend's first AI feature
AI in OpenBlend starts from the same question: does this strengthen what people actually do, or does it try to do it for them?
AI transcription, with themes and actions for follow-through, answers that clearly. It doesn't recommend or insert itself into the conversation; it preserves what happened, organises it into usable themes, and produces the actions for follow-up so both people can make use of it afterwards.
The conversation stays human, the record becomes complete and the follow-through is already structured.
There's another benefit too. Managers can return to the conversation and reflect on how it went. They can notice their own patterns: where they interrupted, where they might have moved on too quickly, or where they jumped to solutions instead of asking the questions that would have helped their direct report think it through themselves.
What's next
AI transcription is available now in OpenBlend. If you're an existing customer and want to explore how it could work for your 1:1s, get in touch with your Customer Success Manager. If you're new to OpenBlend and want to see it in action, book a demo today.
This is the first step in how we're using AI in OpenBlend, stay tuned for what's coming soon.
FAQs: AI transcription in OpenBlend