# Effective 1:1s — Exercises

## Exercise 1: Create a 1:1 Template

**Task:** Design a shared-doc template for 1:1s with a new direct report. Include: agenda sections (theirs first, yours, career), 2–3 prompt questions per section, and a notes/action-items area. Make it copy-paste ready.

**Validation:**
- [ ] Report's topics appear first
- [ ] Career/growth has dedicated space
- [ ] Prompts are open-ended and practical
- [ ] Template is usable in Notion, Google Docs, or similar

**Hints:**
1. Start with "What's the best use of our time today?" as an opener
2. Career section: "What would you like to be doing in 18 months?" "What's one skill you want to develop?"
3. Your section: feedback, updates, decisions you need from them

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## Exercise 2: Diagnose a Failing 1:1

**Task:** You have a 1:1 that feels flat—your report says "nothing to discuss," you default to status updates, and it often gets cancelled. Write a diagnosis (what's wrong) and a 3-step fix.

**Validation:**
- [ ] At least 2 root causes identified
- [ ] Fix includes preparation (shared doc) and agenda structure
- [ ] Fix addresses cancellation (e.g., "1:1s are sacrosanct")

**Hints:**
1. "Nothing to discuss" often means no habit of prep; model it by adding your topics first
2. Status updates → move those to standup; free 1:1 for growth/blockers
3. Cancelling → reschedule same week; never drop

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## Exercise 3: Practice Coaching Questions

**Task:** Your report says: "I'm overwhelmed by the migration project. I don't know where to start." Write the answer you'd usually give. Then rewrite it as 4 Socratic questions that help them think it through.

**Validation:**
- [ ] Questions are open-ended (not yes/no)
- [ ] Questions lead toward a plan without you giving the plan
- [ ] You could use these in a real 1:1

**Hints:**
1. "What have you tried so far?" "What's the smallest slice you could ship?"
2. "What would success look like in 2 weeks?" "Who could help?"
3. Avoid: "You should break it into phases" — turn that into a question

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## Exercise 4: Feedback in 1:1s

**Task:** You need to give feedback: "Your presentations are too long; stakeholders tune out." Write it using SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact). Then add one follow-up question that invites their input.

**Validation:**
- [ ] SBI is specific (not vague)
- [ ] Impact is stated (e.g., "stakeholders lose focus")
- [ ] Follow-up invites collaboration ("What would you try differently?")

**Hints:**
1. Situation: "In last week's product review..."
2. Behavior: "The deck was 25 slides; we ran 15 minutes over"
3. Impact: "People started checking phones; we didn't get decisions"
4. Follow-up: "What would make it more concise? Want to practice together?"

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## Exercise 5: Anti-Pattern Role-Play

**Task:** Write a 60-second "bad 1:1" script where the manager dominates with status questions and never asks about the report. Rewrite it as a 60-second "good" 1:1 where the report leads and the manager listens and asks one follow-up.

**Validation:**
- [ ] Bad script: manager talks 70%+, status-focused
- [ ] Good script: report talks 70%+, manager asks open-ended questions
- [ ] Difference is clear and teachable

**Hints:**
1. Bad: "So what did you finish? What's next? Any blockers? Okay, I need you to..."
2. Good: "What's on your mind? ... Tell me more. ... What would help? ... I'll take that to leadership."
3. Good = silence, "Tell me more," "What would you do?"