Avoid These Pitfalls in Your Next 1:1

A Guide to Productive Conversations

1:1 meetings with your manager are a powerful opportunity to build trust, share insights, and work on your growth. But just as there are best practices for making the most of these conversations, there are also common pitfalls that can derail their effectiveness.

To ensure your 1:1 is productive and meaningful, here are key things to avoid in the lead-up to and during your next meeting:

1️⃣ Showing Up Unprepared

Walking into a 1:1 without an agenda is like showing up to a meeting without knowing the topic—it wastes time and limits value. A lack of preparation can make the conversation unfocused and miss the chance to discuss important matters.

What to Avoid:

• Skipping agenda preparation.
• Forgetting to review your goals, priorities, or performance updates beforehand.
• Expecting your manager to lead every aspect of the conversation.

How to Fix It: Dedicate 10–15 minutes before your meeting to list discussion points, review progress on key projects, and consider what you need from your manager.

2️⃣ Turning It Into a Status Update

While it’s natural to touch on project updates, using your entire 1:1 to report tasks is a missed opportunity. 1:1s are about growth, strategy, and alignment—not just what you’ve completed.

What to Avoid:

• Giving a play-by-play of your daily to-do list.
• Avoiding strategic or forward-looking discussions.
• Neglecting to highlight challenges or areas needing input.

How to Fix It: Focus on high-impact topics. Share key wins or obstacles, then dive into areas where you need guidance or want to align on priorities.

3️⃣ Avoiding Feedback Conversations

1:1s are a perfect space to exchange feedback, but many people shy away from it—either out of discomfort or fear of hearing constructive criticism. Without feedback, you lose a chance to grow or improve dynamics with your manager.

What to Avoid:

• Skipping the opportunity to ask for feedback.
• Taking feedback personally rather than constructively.
• Not providing feedback to your manager when appropriate.

How to Fix It: Proactively ask for insights into your performance and areas for growth. If relevant, share feedback on how your manager can better support you, framing it as a shared goal.

4️⃣ Being Too Vague or Indecisive

Your manager isn’t a mind reader. If you don’t clearly communicate your needs, goals, or challenges, you’re unlikely to get the support or direction you need.

What to Avoid:

• Using general statements like, “Everything’s fine,” or “I don’t have much to discuss.”
• Hesitating to ask for what you need—be it resources, mentorship, or clarity.

How to Fix It: Be specific. Instead of saying, “I need help,” explain, “I’m struggling with [specific issue] and could use guidance on [potential solutions].”

5️⃣ Letting It Be All Business, No Connection

While the focus of 1:1s is professional, it’s also an opportunity to build rapport and foster a stronger working relationship with your manager. Ignoring this personal aspect can make the meeting feel transactional.

What to Avoid:

• Jumping straight into work topics without any personal check-in.
• Forgetting to share wins, aspirations, or things you’re excited about.

How to Fix It: Start with a brief personal check-in or ask your manager about their week. Share something positive or energizing to set a collaborative tone.

Final Thoughts: Focus, Align, and Thrive

Avoiding these pitfalls in your next 1:1 can help you create a space that’s focused, collaborative, and growth-oriented. By preparing thoughtfully, steering clear of surface-level conversations, and fostering open communication, you’ll maximise the value of every interaction with your manager.