The 9-Step Blueprint for 1-to-1 Meetings with Your Direct Reports

Conversation Starters for Each Step

Wondering how to get started in each of these 9 steps? Here are some conversation starters you can use, some samples to give you an idea of how your conversation might flow.

Just be sure to “stay in the moment” and don’t let these conversation starters become a robotic script. Your 1-to-1 meetings are a human-to-human connection. Keep it real, keep it on track, and keep it focused on the development of your direct report.

Step by Step:

“Let’s plan our 1-to-1 meetings for the next 6 months. I’m committed to these times and I hope you are, too.”

“My phone and e-mail will be turned off during our 1-to-1 meetings. We can also meet in a space other than my office so there will be no interruptions. I want all team members to respect each other’s 1-to-1 time.”

"Tell me something of value that you learned in this past week.”  “What recent activities have been moving you closer to your personal development goal?” “What would you like to do next to develop new skills and experience?” 

"I’m interested in hearing how you might tackle a challenge like this one.”

“Let’s brainstorm together and see how we can expand on our ideas.”

“I know how we’ve done this in the past, but I’m always interested in how we can continually improve. Since you’re closest to this work, what are your recommendations for doing things differently?”

“I’ll be delegating this to you but plan to stay involved as you learn…”

“Let’s review the action items we committed to at the end of our last 1-to-1 meeting. I said I would ____, and here’s my status update…”

 “How are things coming along on the action item you committed to?”

“I noticed this month that you were on time each day with your demand forecasting. That really helps us to set pricing targets and to communicate with our colleagues. I appreciate this effort and would like to see you continue consistently delivering those numbers on time each day.”

“What could I be doing to help you accelerate this project?”

“How do you feel about some additional mentoring or coaching on this?”

“Is there anything I’m doing that gets in the way of your peak performance?”

“Tell me more about the struggles you’re having with the sub-committee.”

“My action item is to track down that data so you can use it for your analysis. I will have that to you by the end of the day today.”

 “You’ve committed to reach out to ___ for some additional information. When will you be able to do that and then follow up with me?

“How is the family?”

 “Any opportunities lately to get back out there and do some hiking?”

 “How are you feeling about your work/life balance these days?”

About the Author: Deb Calvert has worked as a Corporate Director in a Fortune 500 company and as a consultant, coach and trainer to nearly 400 businesses of all sizes. She helps leaders and sellers connect with others in more meaningful and lasting ways. Her company, People First Productivity Solutions, builds organizational strength by putting people first. Deb is a Certified Master Facilitator with The Leadership Challenge?, a certified executive coach, and one of 2015's Top 50 Sales Influencers. Her book, DISCOVER Questions Get You Connected?, is a bestseller that helps sellers become leaders.