One-on-one template

About the one-on-one template

This template makes it easy to provide a useful and engaging structure to your regular one-on-one meetings. Whether you’re a manager or an employee, this One-on-one Meeting template makes your meetings more transparent and useful over the long term, as you track changes or accomplishments, go over any concerns, and outline next steps.

Also included are dedicated spaces for check-ins and check-outs, which help break the ice and get the conversation flowing, as well as make action items clear as you bring the meeting to a close.

What is a one-on-one meeting?

A one-to-one meeting, also known as a 1-on-1, is a regularly scheduled meeting between an employee and their manager. The goal of one-on-one meetings is to chat about progress, bring up any issues, and share feedback. 

One-on-one meetings usually don’t have a strict agenda and offer flexibility to focus on the most important matters. These meetings are important for building a working relationship that has a strong foundation of communication and trust.

Why use the one-on-one template

As one-on-one meetings are flexible and don’t have a strict agenda, having a specific template to write down thoughts keeps track of ideas or roadblocks for improvement. 

One-on-one meetings benefit the working relationship for both managers and employees. Here are three benefits of one-on-one meetings.

1. Improve communication and feedback

One-on-one meetings improve communication between employees and managers by having regular, dedicated time to share thoughts and feedback. 

Managers and employees can share feedback with each other in a safe environment without having to come up with immediate answers. By doing so, any potential issues can be resolved ahead of the next one-on-one and with clear goal alignment.

2. Increase productivity with accountability

Regular one-on-ones help managers and employees identify issues that affect productivity and come up with solutions to overcome any roadblocks.

Moreover, one-on-one meetings are helpful to keep both employees and managers accountable for their tasks so that goals can be met.

3. Boost employee engagement and experience

One-on-one meetings provide a safe place for employees to bring up concerns or share ideas. By having dedicated time to listen to their employees, managers are able to keep track of employee satisfaction. 

In turn, understanding employee concerns and thoughts and having a meeting to support them makes employees feel heard, supported, and valued, which improves employee engagement.

This gives managers insight into the overall level of their employees’ engagement and if any steps are required to support and improve the employee experience.

Related: How to Run your Best One-on-One Meeting Yet

How to use the one-to-one template

Here is how to prepare and structure your template for a successful one-on-one meeting:

1. Before the meeting starts, begin with the section under “setting goals” and define the purpose of your meeting and the goals you want to address on separate sticky notes.
2. Then, under the 1:1 meeting agenda, pick three things you’d like to focus on and whether they are milestones, KPIs, OKRs, or roadblocks.
3. Start the meeting with a check-in question; this will help you see your employee’s progress and productivity. This will be helpful in understanding where the focus of the conversation will be the most beneficial.
4. Then, in your agenda items, write the topics that require conversation and action on separate sticky notes.
5. Once your agenda items have been addressed, write down the action items and solutions for each talking point.
6. Allow time to talk about things that aren’t related to any action item, and make sure both parties are aligned on expectations and goals for the next meetings.

Meaningful questions to ask in one-on-one meetings

If you need some inspiration for questions to ask in your future one-to-one meeting, here are some helpful meeting starters:

1. What have you accomplished this week?
2. What was your biggest roadblock this week?
3. What is something you’ve learned this week?
4. What do you wish you could change?
5. Do you need any support to reach your goals?
6. What does success look like on a weekly basis? How do we accomplish this?
7. How did you feel this week?