How to Run 1:1 Meetings: Tips, Questions and Agenda Template
What are the benefits of a 1:1 meeting?
How to prepare for a 1:1 meeting
What to talk about in a 1:1 meeting: sample agenda
- Progress on current projects: This is a great opportunity for team members to share updates on their work and for managers to provide feedback and guidance.
- Career development: 1:1s are a good time to discuss career goals and aspirations and to provide support and resources to help team members achieve their goals.
- Personal development: 1:1s can also be used to discuss personal development plans, such as professional training or education opportunities.
- General feedback: Use this time to provide constructive feedback on the team member’s work and performance, and to discuss any areas where they may need support or improvement.
Good questions to ask in a 1:1 meeting
- How are things going? This is a great way to start the meeting and to get a sense of how your team member is feeling. It’s intentionally vague designed to give your employee an opportunity to set the tone and first subject to discuss. Don’t be surprised if you get a “fine” or “good” without much more. It’s your job to create a safe space and dig in a bit more.
- What are you working on? This will help you stay informed about your team member's current projects and priorities. It’s a great opportunity to see if their priorities are aligned with yours and your organization’s priorities.
- What are your thoughts on [specific project or topic]? This allows team members to share their thoughts and ideas on specific topics. Asking for their opinion, even when they’re not directly involved in the project, demonstrates your interest in their perspective. You’ll also likely get a fresh perspective that can inform other projects.
- How can I support you better? This shows that you are invested in your team member's success and are willing to help in any way you can. Employees might not immediately want to give their manager direction so have examples of certain things you can do.
1-on-1 meeting agenda template
- Small talk to break the ice (5 minutes)
- Progress on current projects (10 minutes)
- Career development (5 minutes)
- Personal development (5 minutes)
- General feedback (5 minutes)
- Issues or concerns (10 minutes)
- Action items and next steps (5 minutes)
- Wrap-up and closing (5 minutes)
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