Running Effective 1:1s

Scope

Covers

• Designing a lightweight 1:1 operating system (purpose, cadence, meeting types, shared docs)
• Running 1:1s as coaching conversations (not just status updates)
• Holding career development conversations (life story → future dreams → action plan)
• Doing basic wellbeing/recovery check-ins (joy/energy) without crossing into therapy/medical advice
• Running skip-levels and special sessions (e.g., post-crisis “make them feel heard” 1:1s)

When to use

• “My 1:1s are turning into status updates—help me redesign them.”
• “Create a 1:1 agenda + shared doc template for me and my direct reports.”
• “I’m a new manager—set up my 1:1 cadence and question bank.”
• “Help me run better career conversations in 1:1s.”
• “Plan a skip-level program and templates.”