How to run a great 1:1
A 1:1 meeting is the report's time, not a status readout. The best ones build trust, surface blockers early, and invest in growth — things that never come up in a standup.
- Let them drive — the report should own most of the agenda.
- Go beyond status — ask about energy, growth, and obstacles.
- Keep it regular — consistency builds the trust that makes 1:1s work.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a 1:1 meeting cover?
- A good 1:1 goes beyond status: wins and energy, blockers, growth and development, feedback in both directions, and priorities. The report should own most of the agenda.
- How long should a 1:1 be?
- Usually 30 minutes, weekly or biweekly. Consistency matters more than length — a regular short 1:1 beats an occasional long one.
- What questions should a manager ask in a 1:1?
- Open ones: "What's on your mind this week?", "Where are you stuck?", "What would make next week better?" The goal is to surface what status reports miss.
- Who owns the 1:1 agenda?
- Ideally the report drives it, with the manager adding topics. It is the report's meeting — a space for them, not a status update for the manager.