First-Time Manager 1:1 Meeting Template
Introduction
The first few 1:1 meetings as a new manager are crucial for establishing trust and setting the foundation for your working relationship. This template provides a focused 30-minute approach to help you navigate these important conversations effectively.
Before the Meeting
- Schedule 30 minutes in a private, comfortable space
- Review any available information about your team member’s role and projects
- Prepare to take notes during the meeting
- Send a brief agenda to help your team member prepare
Meeting Structure
Opening (5 minutes)
Begin by creating a welcoming atmosphere and setting the tone for open communication:
“Thank you for meeting with me today. I’m excited to work with you and want to use our 1:1 time to get to know you better and understand how I can best support you in your role.”
Ice-breaker question:
- “What brought you to this company/team initially?”
Setting Expectations (10 minutes)
Establish a shared understanding of the purpose and format of your 1:1 meetings:
“I’d like to talk about how we can make our 1:1 meetings most valuable for you. These meetings are primarily for you - a dedicated time to discuss anything that’s on your mind.”
Key discussion points:
- “What would you like to get out of our 1:1 meetings?”
- “How do you prefer to receive feedback?”
- “What communication style works best for you?”
Understanding Goals and Support (10 minutes)
Focus on their current work and how you can help:
Key questions:
- “What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? What do you find most challenging?”
- “What are your current goals?”
- “What do you need from me as your manager to be successful?”
Closing (5 minutes)
Summarize key points and establish next steps:
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me today. Let’s confirm our next steps.”
Wrap-up:
- Confirm one key action item for each person
- Schedule the next meeting
After the Meeting
- Document key insights and commitments
- Follow through on any promises made
- Schedule regular 30-minute follow-ups
Follow-Up Meeting Template
For subsequent 1:1 meetings, focus on these key areas:
Quick Check-in (5 minutes)
- “How has your week been?”
- “What’s on your mind today?”
Progress and Challenges (15 minutes)
- Review previous commitments
- Current work updates
- Discuss blockers or challenges
Feedback and Next Steps (10 minutes)
- Share specific feedback
- Agree on next actions
- Set priorities for next meeting
Additional Resources
Remember: Quality over quantity. Stay focused on the most impactful topics and follow up on important items that need more time in subsequent meetings.