1:1 Meetings

Table of contents

  1. Overview
  2. Level Expectations
    1. EM1 - Learning the Basics
    2. EM2 - Developing Confidence
    3. EM3 - Mastering the Practice
    4. EM4+ - Setting Standards
  3. Best Practices
    1. Meeting Structure
    2. Effective Questions
    3. Common Pitfalls
  4. Resources
    1. Recommended Reading
    2. Tools & Templates

Level filtering feature coming soon - this will show content specific to your EM level

Overview

One-on-one meetings are the foundation of effective people management. They provide dedicated time for relationship building, career development, feedback, and problem-solving.

Level Expectations

EM1 - Learning the Basics

  • Frequency: Weekly 30-minute meetings
  • Focus: Building relationships, learning about team members
  • Skills: Active listening, basic feedback delivery
  • Common Challenges: Filling the time, making meetings valuable
  • Growth Areas: Consistent scheduling, asking good questions

EM2 - Developing Confidence

  • Frequency: Weekly meetings, potentially bi-weekly for senior members
  • Focus: Career development, performance discussions, strategic alignment
  • Skills: Coaching conversations, difficult feedback, goal setting
  • Common Challenges: Balancing individual needs with team needs
  • Growth Areas: Career coaching, handling sensitive topics

EM3 - Mastering the Practice

  • Frequency: Flexible based on individual needs and development stage
  • Focus: Strategic career planning, complex problem solving, organizational alignment
  • Skills: Executive coaching, skip-level dynamics, cultural leadership
  • Common Challenges: Time management with larger teams, delegation of development
  • Growth Areas: Coaching other managers, scaling 1:1 practices

EM4+ - Setting Standards

  • Frequency: Focus on direct reports (other managers), skip-levels for key relationships
  • Focus: Organizational development, strategic alignment, leadership development
  • Skills: Executive presence, organizational change, succession planning
  • Common Challenges: Staying connected while scaling, developing other leaders
  • Growth Areas: Creating 1:1 frameworks for the organization

Best Practices

Meeting Structure

  • Check-in (5 min): How are you doing personally and professionally?
  • Progress Review (10 min): Current work, blockers, achievements
  • Development (10 min): Career goals, skill development, feedback
  • Forward Looking (5 min): Upcoming priorities, support needed

Effective Questions

  • “What’s been on your mind lately?”
  • “What would you like to focus on today?”
  • “What’s working well for you right now?”
  • “Where are you feeling stuck?”
  • “How can I better support you?”

Common Pitfalls

  • Making it a status update meeting
  • Not taking notes or following up on commitments
  • Canceling frequently or not prioritizing the time
  • Talking more than listening
  • Avoiding difficult conversations

Resources

  • “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhuo
  • “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
  • “The Manager’s Path” by Camille Fournier

Tools & Templates

  • 1:1 meeting agenda templates
  • Career development frameworks
  • Feedback conversation guides