We tackled the topic of 1:1s on the First Round Review this week, so we thought we'd round up all the suggested questions from our recent article (plus other gems we've come across) so you can keep them handy.

Thanks to Julie Zhuo, Michael Lopp, John Milinovich, Lenny Rachitsky, Maggie Leung, Mathilde Collin, and others for contributing questions to this list! (We suggest the Ultimate List of 1:1 Questions for Managers and 101 Questions to Ask in 1-on-1s if you're looking for even more.)

For a more in-depth look at leading better 1:1s, be sure to check out the Review article in full. And sign up here for our newsletter if you haven't already for exclusive content like this and the best advice in tech, in your inbox weekly.

🤔 Self-reflection

Block off time before your 1:1 to work through questions like these on your own.

• What did my report do well this past week? What do they need to work on? (Keep a running list that will come in handy during performance review season).
• Do all of my 1:1s feel a little awkward?
• Do my reports regularly bring their biggest challenges to my attention?
• Am I giving feedback often enough?
• Does the person I'm managing feel invested in your company or team goals? Why should he/she be? Have I clearly explained the vision or goals, and his/her part in achieving them?
• Does he/she feel as if I've got his/her back?
• Do I know what motivates him/her?
• What am I offering vs. what am I expecting? Is what I'm offering good enough, or can my employee do better elsewhere?
• Does my direct report understand what he/she is supposed to do? How to do it?
• Does he/she have the right training, right scope, right authority, right resources and enough time to do as you need?