Direct Report 1:1 Meeting

The Regular 1:1s meeting template is an essential tool designed to nurture the professional relationship between a manager and their direct report, ensuring consistent and constructive dialogue aimed at fostering career growth and addressing workplace challenges. By maintaining a regular schedule, ideally weekly or bi-weekly, these meetings become a critical platform for feedback, mentoring, and strategic career planning.

The template is structured into three main segments, beginning with a 10-minute update phase. Here, the direct report briefly outlines their recent goals and the outcomes achieved. The majority of this time is spent discussing the "So What" of these outcomes—this is where growth is ignited. They reflect on takeaways and envision next steps, turning routine updates into actionable insights.

Following updates, a 5-minute discussion on roadblocks allows the direct report to identify specific hurdles that hinder their progress. This segment reinforces the manager’s role in facilitating their team's success, possibly even acknowledging when they themselves might be the impediment. For example, a direct report might need their manager's intervention with another department to expedite a delayed task, highlighting the importance of managerial support in operational efficiency.

The most substantial portion of the meeting, lasting 15 minutes, is dedicated to professional development. This time is used to bridge the gap between the current role of the direct report and their career aspirations. Discussions might include clarifications on company initiatives, advice on skill development, or strategies for engaging with cross-functional leaders. This segment is pivotal for the direct report to leverage their manager’s experience and to plot concrete steps toward career advancement.

The use of this template empowers both parties to make the most of these interactions. Direct reports are encouraged to be proactive about their career development, ensuring they communicate their successes and seek guidance on professional growth. Managers, in turn, are reminded of their crucial role in fostering an environment where direct reports can thrive, making these 1:1s a cornerstone of developmental success.