First time manager tip: 1 on 1 meeting questions and agenda
Read the following quick tips of 1–1 routines in order to either gain a few new ideas of how to run better 1:1s, or reinforce habits you’re actively practicing.
Watch a video version of these tips, and explore how working with a leadership coach can help you become a more effective leader.
Ideas for 1–1 Questions
Practice an organized management style and increase the chances that your 1–1 conversations will consistently produce meaningful outcomes by using a standard set of questions:
What are you excited about right now?
This question enables your 1–1s to begin on a high and engaging note from the start, which can anchor the tone for the whole meeting in more bigger picture-thinking (where your value as a manager can help explore/create sustainable new opportunities), rather than the problems/complains/fires (where your value as a manager will be relentlessly drained, with little sustainable growth).
Listen intently to what your reports says in response to this question — this is not only a fun question, but can generate key insights that can inform your people development strategy.
