Build a 1:1 agenda template for my direct reports. The format should make it harder to slip into a status-update conversation.
Output as a reusable bulleted agenda with guiding questions under each section. Time-box each section.
## Their topics first (10 min)
- What's on their mind?
- What's frustrating you that I might not see?
- Anything you'd want me to escalate but haven't asked me to?
## Progress on what matters (10 min)
- What's the one thing this week that, if it doesn't happen, you'd be most disappointed about?
- What's blocked that isn't your fault?
- What did you decide NOT to do this week, and why?
## Career and growth (5 min)
- What's the skill you're trying to build right now?
- Where's the next stretch that scares you a little?
- What feedback haven't I given you that you'd want?
## Feedback both ways (5 min)
- One thing I did this week that helped you
- One thing I did (or didn't do) that got in your way
## Closing (2 min)
- Anything we put on the parking lot that we should pull off?
- One commitment from each of us before next 1:1
Notes for the manager:
- Skip status questions ("how's project X going?") — those go in async tools.
- The "didn't do, and why" question is load-bearing — it reveals prioritization the doc doesn't show.
- If the person never has anything for the feedback section, that's a signal — the trust isn't there yet.managementone-on-onesmeetings