Healthy 1 on 1 Meetings

• Golden standard: Weekly 30-45 minute meeting
  • Bi-weekly can be okay, but weekly is ideal. Anything less frequent than bi-weekly is a red flag.
  • This should be recurring and scheduled, not ad-hoc.
• The meeting should feel proactive instead of reactive.
  • Reactive 1 on 1s happen when the meeting has no agenda beforehand.
  • The discussion should be focused and talking about future themes for you and your career like growth and career goals.
• The meeting isn't purely tactical: This is a time for you and your manager to build trust and get to know one another.
• The time should feel "awkward". Some "awkward" areas include:
  • Honest feedback
  • Emotions

Related resources:

• 1 on 1s Are The Time To Be Awkward
• "How do I help my manager (who is also my mentor) be a better manager and mentor?"
• "How do I create a growth plan with my manager/mentor and what should it include?"