Run Better 1-1s: A Template To Use With Your Manager

Ahh 1-1s. Probably not at the top of your list when it comes to favourite activities at work (unless your manager is awesome- in which case, go you). It took me a long time to realise this, but your 1-1 with your manager is really one of the most important meetings that you can have each week (or fortnight, if that’s how you roll).

Why? Because these meetings can directly shape your personal brand at the company you work at and as a result, your future trajectory.

In my early career days, I’m pretty sure I just rattled off a list of every single project I was working on (with no particular order), or sometimes didn’t have a list at all. I’d just show up and expect my manager to drive the conversation. Needless to say- they weren’t the most productive of meetings.

A few years later, I had a boss introduce me to the 1-1 template he used with his boss (our Sales Director). His boss was often time poor and had a million things going on at once, so he needed something that was clear, concise and quick to digest. Ever since, I’ve used the exact same template as my former boss (ft. a few minor updates) for every single 1-1 I’ve held since.

Steal my (boss’) 1-1 template here

Happy 1-1-ing!