# Effective 1:1s — Walkthrough ## Before We Begin **Diagnostic:** Why do you have 1:1s at all? In one sentence: what is the *primary purpose* of a 1:1 from the report's perspective (not the manager's)? **Checkpoint:** You can articulate a purpose that goes beyond "status" or "check-in"—something that would make a report *want* to show up prepared. --- ## Step 1: Design a 1:1 Template **Task:** Create a shared-doc template for 1:1s. Include: sections for report's topics, your topics, career/growth, and notes. Add 2–3 example prompts or questions in each section to help both of you get started. **Question:** What would make this template actually *used* instead of abandoned after two meetings? **Checkpoint:** Template has clear sections and actionable prompts. --- ## Step 2: Map Your Cadence **Task:** List everyone you have 1:1s with. For each, decide: weekly, biweekly, or monthly? Justify in one sentence based on their situation (new, senior, high-touch project). **Question:** Are you over- or under-meeting with anyone? What would "just right" look like? **Checkpoint:** Cadence is set for each person; rationale is clear. --- ## Step 3: Turn One "Fix" Into Questions **Task:** Recall a recent 1:1 where your report was stuck on something and you jumped in with a solution. Rewrite that moment: what 3–4 questions could you have asked instead to help them think it through? **Question:** When would you still give the direct answer? When do questions work better? **Checkpoint:** You have both the solution and the question sequence; you can articulate when to use each. --- ## Step 4: Audit Your Anti-Patterns **Task:** Review your last 4–5 1:1s. Which anti-patterns apply? (Status-only, cancelling, manager-dominated, no prep, rushing.) Pick one to fix and write a concrete habit change. **Question:** What makes it hard to avoid that anti-pattern? What support do you need? **Checkpoint:** One anti-pattern identified; one concrete habit to change. --- ## Step 5: Design a "Career" Slot **Task:** In your 1:1 template, add a dedicated "Career / Growth" section. Write 3–4 questions you could ask in that slot (e.g., "What would you like to be doing in 18 months?" "What's one skill you want to develop?"). Plan to use it at least once per month. **Question:** How do you make career talk feel natural, not forced? **Checkpoint:** Career questions are in the template; you've committed to a cadence for using them. --- ## Step 6: Manage Up **Task:** Before your next 1:1 with your own manager, write 3 topics you want to cover. Include: something you need from them (decision, feedback, advocacy), something you're proud of, and one blocker or risk. **Question:** What happens when you show up without topics? What does your manager get from a prepared report? **Checkpoint:** You have 3 concrete topics for your next manager 1:1.