How to Nail Your Next One-on-One 

Most people treat one-on-ones with their manager as awkward catch-ups or status updates. Which is a waste, because these meetings are one of the best opportunities you’ll ever have to shape your career.

Handled well, a one-on-one can unlock support, speed up promotions, and solve problems before they get bigger. Handled badly, it’s 30 minutes of small talk and vague promises.

Here’s how to make your next one-on-one actually count.

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Three Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your One-on-One

1. Come prepared with real questions

If you walk into a one-on-one with nothing to say, you are putting your career in your manager’s hands. Show you are serious and prepared by bringing a few questions written down (that are relevant to your role and the company). 

Ask:

• What does success in my role look like in the next 6 months?
• Where could I be having more impact?
• Are there opportunities I should be getting ready for?

One-on-ones are a great place to open dialogue about your career and future opportunities. 

2. Share problems early, not late

Your boss does not want to find out about issues in a quarterly review or, worse, from someone else. If something is broken, your one-on-one is the safest place to bring it up.

Think of it as preventative care. Small issues are easy to fix. Big, ignored issues become messes that are hard to untangle.

Try:

• “I have noticed X is slowing us down. How would you handle it?”
• “I am worried about Y. What is your perspective?”

Highlighting potential issues with your manager (before they escalate) is a great way to show initiative and build trust. 

3. Ask for feedback before you need it

Most people dread feedback because it often feels too critical, too formal and (too frequently) it only comes during performance and pay reviews. But if you use your one-on-one to ask for it regularly, it becomes normal and far less scary.

Keep it simple:

• “What is one thing I could be doing better?”
• “What is something you think I am doing well that I should keep up?”

These types of questions encourage honest, practical input in small doses and will help position you as someone who takes initiative and wants to grow. 

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Two Quotes To Reflect On For The Week Ahead

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
- Alexander Graham Bell

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
- Ken Blanchard

Meme of The Week

Feedback doesn't need to be scary