Unlocking Growth Through Effective 1:1s: 3 Tips for Your Next Manager Meeting

Regular 1:1 meetings with your manager are more than just a time slot on your calendar—they're a powerful tool for career growth, relationship building, and aligning on what truly matters. Yet, all too often, these meetings are underutilized, rushed, or lack the structure to deliver meaningful results.

Done right, 1:1s can:

• Build trust and transparency.
• Help you proactively address challenges.
• Clarify your priorities and goals.
• Offer a space to receive (and provide) actionable feedback.

So, how can you make sure your next 1:1 is worth the time and effort? Let’s dive into three actionable tips to elevate the impact of your meetings.

1️⃣ Own the Agenda: Drive the Conversation

Managers are there to support you, but your 1:1 is your space. Take ownership by preparing an agenda in advance. This ensures you focus on what’s most important to you, rather than defaulting to status updates.

Pro Tip: Structure your agenda around these three pillars:

• Wins: Share recent accomplishments or milestones.
• Challenges: Highlight blockers where you need input, resources, or perspective.
• Growth: Discuss career development goals, skill-building opportunities, or feedback for improvement.

Example: "This week, I’d like to discuss [specific project progress], ask for input on [a challenge], and explore opportunities to [build a new skill or expand my role]."

2️⃣ Ask for Feedback—and Listen Actively

Feedback is the fuel for professional growth, but it’s a two-way street. Use your 1:1 to seek constructive insights about your performance and to provide thoughtful feedback to your manager, too.

Questions to Consider:

• What’s one area I could improve to be more effective in my role?
• How can I better align with the team’s or company’s goals?
• Is there anything you’d like me to do differently in my collaboration with you or others?

Listening is equally critical. Take notes, ask follow-up questions, and reflect on what’s shared to show that you value the conversation.

3️⃣ Use the Space to Strategize, Not Just Report

Your 1:1 shouldn’t be a mini status update meeting—that’s what tools like project trackers or team meetings are for. Instead, focus on strategic discussions that align with your long-term goals or the company’s bigger picture.

Shift Your Mindset:

• From: “Here’s what I did last week.”
• To: “Here’s where I’m heading and how I think we can get there together.”

This approach fosters alignment on priorities and demonstrates your commitment to thinking beyond day-to-day tasks.

Final Thoughts

A great 1:1 is not just a check-in—it’s an opportunity to cultivate trust, refine your focus, and accelerate your professional growth. With a little preparation and intention, you can transform your next meeting into a meaningful conversation that drives results for you and your team.