What do you talk about in 1:1's?

Question

Saw this question come up a few times recently in conversations. What do you talk about in 1:1's? How do you make best use of it?

Some tips I've gathered:

Having a clear agenda for the meeting and being prepared is important for making the 1:1s successful. Some of the questions that people suggest asking include: how the person is doing, what skills they are trying to improve, how the manager or company can help with skill improvement, and whether the person's responsibilities align with their personal goals.
Some people find value in discussing pending organizational changes, strategic initiatives, and personal/professional gripes.
It's okay to skip 1:1s if there's nothing to talk about. It's more important to have a standing meeting that can be used to bring up "serious things" when necessary.
Some people find the 1:1 to be a good opportunity to discuss what they are working on, blockers, etc.
There are different opinions on whether 1:1s are the right time to discuss updates that could also be covered in a daily/biweekly/weekly check-ins. Some people think that these updates do not warrant a 1-on-1, while others find it easier to discuss them in person rather than over email.

bcneco · Accepted Answer

My most productive 1:1's (as an IC) have been with managers who use the time specifically for me as an employee.

What I mean by that is that they spend time to focus on my professional development, improving my skills, talking and working through weaknesses, and most importantly, goal setting.

Now, there are definitely times where work-specific stuff has to come up. Updates on projects, blockers, etc. Especially since a lot of professional development stuff isn't going to be a week-to-week or bi-week to bi-week updates.

In any case, I think goal setting is the most important part of the 1:1. Too many managers I've had lead 1:1s with just updates or talk about 'yeah we can try to get you to promo,' but without any actionable targets or goals, I always left those meetings feeling like they weren't worth anything.

madlopt · Answer

Never speak honestly with HRs, they are working not for you but for your company. Be smart, don't say that something is going wrong if you are not sure it can affect you or not. Don't say something is wrong if you are sure it's everywhere in the company and it can't be fixed, it's useless and can affect you. I was on both sides and I saw how it works. If they will think you are unhappy they will immediately put a "red flag" on you and in the worst case you will be fired. If it comes to more closer teammate like a team lead, be sure you trust him. But better to trust and rely only to yourself. It's very important to make a good impression and keep it. It helps you to grow inside your company and also helps you to quit whenever YOU want.

Jafa · Answer

1x1 is not for project/team/technical (leave that for stadUp/ eng meeting ...), is for personal development, clarifying thoughts and feelings (is all about you)

omaritocen · Answer

It depends on whoWith my mentor: it was mostly about my project and progress, and for questions I have about work or bugs i am facingWith my buddy: Mostly a friendly chat about new events in work and asking quick questions (mostly non technical)With my manager: for getting feedback about your progress and keeping him up to date about what you’re doing. also you can address any concerns or any questions you have on organizational level

What do you talk about in 1:1's?

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