1-1s are the most crucial tool for a people leader. This meeting is one of the settings where coaching and feedback happen. I like to employ several kinds of 1-1s to build solid and lasting relationships and help grow my team members and myself.
My fundamental coaching philosophy is Talk Less and Ask More Questions. I work hard not to be giving you advice and solutions all the time, but to make you think hard about the problems and support you in identifying and prioritizing solutions.
Whenever I take on a new team or hire a new employee, I use this unique 1-1 to set the tone for the relationship moving forward. I always come from a place of caring, so this is more about getting to know the person and what motivates them.
- What's your origin story? How did you get into technology?
- What's your favorite thing about technology/development?
- What do you not like about it?
- Deep dive into your role and responsibilities
- What do you enjoy?
- What don't you like?
- If you think the team could/should change one thing immediately, what would it be?
- What is a longer-term change you'd like to see? (this could be technical, organization structure, process, etc.)
- How do you like to receive feedback? Examples: Immediately in person, slack first and then in person, or some other way.
- What's your favorite way to celebrate as a team? (dinner, bowling, karting, etc.)
- How do you like to be recognized as an individual?
- Words of affirmation
- Quality time
- Acts of service
- Tangible gifts
- When do you like to do 1-1s? Morning, afternoon, any particular day you prefer, Monday vs. Friday?
- How do you like your 1-1s to run? Is there a particular format you had in the past you enjoyed?
- What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
- What's your favorite food, any particular restaurants you like that serve it?
- What's your favorite dessert?
These are usually weekly, same time, same-day 30-minute meetings for direct reports. I encourage the individual to bring the agenda so they can cover topics relevant to them. However, I have a sample agenda that I use that typically helps guide the conversation and focus on essential things.
- Check-in ✅
- Did you do anything fun last week?
- What did you work on last week that made you happy?
- What drained your energy or annoyed you?
- Goals Update 🎯
- How is work towards Sprint Goals coming along? Let's talk about people, project or patterns.
- Are there other things you think we should be working on as a team?
- Feedback 🙌🏽
- What are things I am doing that are helping you do your job?
- What are things I am doing that are hindering you?
- Development Plan Progress 🏅 We will usually dedicate one 1-1 every month to check progress and blockers with your development plan.