It's A Litmus Test For Your Seniority

One-on-one meetings evolve as career levels advance. A key sign of professional growth is taking ownership of these conversations and using them to drive impact.

• Initiative reflects seniority: If recent one-on-ones are led primarily by a manager with direction and feedback, it's likely an early-career dynamic. As experience grows, the expectation shifts toward independently setting priorities.
• Ownership of agenda is critical: A senior-level contributor brings a clear agenda to one-on-ones, proactively using the time to align on strategy, surface blockers, or present ideas—not just receive instructions.
• Setting direction is the goal: Defining one’s own work and outlining what to focus on next are hallmarks of operating at a senior level. The more someone guides the conversation, the more they demonstrate leadership and self-management.