One-on-ones · Manager scripts
What to Say at the Start of a 1:1 Meeting
The first minute sets the tone. A good opening tells the employee that the meeting is for useful context, support, decisions, and issues that are hard to capture in a status report.
What to say
Regular 1:1
“What would be most useful for us to talk through today?”
New relationship
“I want these meetings to help with priorities, blockers, decisions, and anything that is easier to discuss live than in a status update.”
When there is no obvious topic
“What is taking more energy than it should right now?”
How to handle the conversation
- Do not begin by reading a project tracker line by line.
- Give the employee a chance to bring the first topic.
- Use the meeting for ambiguity, decisions, feedback, development, and friction.
- Capture actions, but do not turn the meeting into minutes-taking theatre.
What to avoid
Avoid opening every 1:1 with “Give me your updates.” If all you need is status, ask for status asynchronously and preserve the conversation for higher-value issues.
What to do after the conversation
Close by naming any decision, commitment, or follow-up owner so the discussion produces movement.
Note: These scripts are general management guidance. Follow your employer’s HR, conduct, performance, and legal procedures where they apply.