One-on-ones are one of the most powerful tools under an organization's toolbelt to foster communication, build trust, and secure alignment between employees and managers. Whether you're looking to give feedback, set goals, or just have a simple check-in, one-on-ones set the stage for you, especially if you conduct them regularly.
Next up, we'll be exploring various one-on-one meeting questions that you can choose from to help strengthen relationships and boost performance in the process!
Preparing for One-on-One Meeting Questions
Getting ready for one-on-ones is just as important as the meeting itself. Create the right space for your meeting and make sure that you get ready for the topics you will address during your one-on-one as well as help set the scene for all-hands meetings.
You can use the following questions for one-on-one meeting questions for employees from a variety of perspectives. Feel free to adjust and customize them as you please!
What accomplishments have you been most proud of since our last meeting?
Are there any challenges you're currently facing that I can help with?
How do you feel about your current workload?
Is there anything specific you need from me to help you succeed?
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Are there skills you’d like to develop or improve?
How do you feel about the team’s collaboration and communication?
Are there any team dynamics that you think could be improved?
How do you feel about the company culture? Is there anything you would change?
Do you feel valued and recognized for your contributions?
Are there any projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
What ideas do you have for improving our current processes or projects?
How are you feeling about your work-life balance?
Is there anything outside of work affecting your performance that you’d like to discuss?
These questions can help create a constructive dialogue and strengthen the relationship between you and your employees.
One-on-One Meeting Questions for Managers
You can use the following questions for one-on-one meeting questions for employees from a variety of perspectives. Feel free to adjust and customize them as you please!
What successes has your team achieved recently?
Are there any performance issues you’d like to address?
What resources do you need to better support your team?
How can I assist you in overcoming any obstacles you’re facing?
What leadership skills are you currently focusing on?
Are there areas where you feel you need additional training or support?
How do you prefer to receive feedback, and how often?
Do you feel your team members recognize your efforts? How can this be improved?
How would you describe the current morale of your team?
Are there any interpersonal dynamics within the team that need attention?
How do your team’s goals align with the company’s strategic objectives?
What challenges do you foresee in achieving these goals?
What are your long-term career aspirations?
How can we help you advance toward your professional goals?
How are you managing your work-life balance?
Is there anything I can do to support your well-being?
These questions aim to facilitate open communication and ensure managers feel supported in their roles.
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One-on-One Meeting with Manager Questions and Answers
The following one-on-one meeting with the manager questions and answers are designed to give you a clearer idea of how you can steer one-on-ones to be insightful on both ends. Feel free to adjust the questions and answers to your specific needs.
What successes has your team achieved recently? "We recently completed a project ahead of schedule, which resulted in positive client feedback and a potential for more work."
What resources do you need to better support your team? "I think we could benefit from additional training resources to enhance our team's technical skills, especially in project management."
What leadership skills are you currently focusing on? "I'm working on improving my conflict resolution skills and learning more about effective delegation."
How do you prefer to receive feedback, and how often? "I appreciate direct feedback after major projects, but I'd also like regular check-ins to discuss ongoing performance."
How would you describe the current morale of your team? "The morale is generally good, but I've noticed some tension around workload distribution that we need to address."
How do your team’s goals align with the company’s strategic objectives? "Our team is focused on improving customer satisfaction, which aligns with the company's goal of enhancing client relationships."
What are your long-term career aspirations? "I aspire to take on a higher leadership role, possibly as a department head, and I’m looking for opportunities to develop my strategic thinking."
How are you managing your work-life balance? "It’s been challenging lately with the increased workload, but I’m trying to set boundaries and prioritize my tasks better."
Are there areas where you feel you need additional training or support? "I could use more training on data analytics to help inform our decision-making processes."
Is there anything I can do to support your role better? "I appreciate your support. More regular check-ins would help me feel aligned with the broader team goals."
This format encourages constructive dialogue and ensures that both parties leave the meeting with clear insights and actionable items to move forward with.
One-on-One Meeting Ice Breaker Questions
As you're just getting started with your one-on-one meeting questions, it may also be a good idea to start the meeting off with icebreaker questions. Try the following!
What’s the most interesting book or article you’ve read recently?
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and why?
What hobbies or activities have you picked up during your free time?
Do you have a favorite weekend activity or ritual that you look forward to?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
What’s a skill you wish you had, and why?
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?
Have you watched any good shows or movies lately?
Is there a podcast you’d recommend that you’ve been enjoying?
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Do you have a favorite restaurant or cuisine you love to indulge in?
What’s your favorite team-building activity or experience?
If our team were to go on a retreat, what would you want to do?
Why One-on-One Meeting Questions Are Important
One-on-one meeting questions are essential because they encourage open communication and foster trust. They play an important role in providing valuable insight into employee's experience in their position and in the company.
One-on-one meeting questions help managers best support their teams by understanding them as best as possible. This way, any issues can be addressed early on and a space will be set to discuss career aspirations and align expectations.
With the help of thoughtful and curious questions, both parties can make sure to align with clarity and build stronger relationships in the workplace.
How Does Teamflect Benefit Your Company in 1 on 1 Meetings?
Teamflect is a great way to streamline one-on-ones and efficiently lead meetings. Teamflect allows companies to;
Handle 1-on-1 meetings with talking point suggestions and leave no room for awkward silences.
Be on top of what happened between 1-on-1 meetings with activity feed.
Know what to talk about with an easy-to-use one-on-one meeting agenda and save time by seeing all relevant activities in one place.
Send out summaries to all participants with a single click.
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