Power Bite: Make the Most of 1-1’s With Your Manager

Here’s a checklist of 10 questions to discuss with your manager on a regular basis:

​

1. What are the specific goals and expectations for my role?

​

This is a very important question: it will keep you from wandering aimlessly in your role and give you a target to build on in order to advance in the organization and develop as a professional.

​

2. Can you provide feedback on my work so far?

​

Remember that your manager is providing feedback to arm you (NOT to harm you). Learn to not take constructive criticism as an attack. If you sense a breach in communication with your manager, ask for a tactful way to confront it.

​

3. How can I improve my performance in my current role?

​

Temper your expectations and be careful not to receive feedback as an attack. Be sure to take notes to indicate interest as well as a desire to implement the information that your manager is sharing with you.

​

4. How can I ensure that my work aligns with the company's goals, values, and mission?

​

This will show that you care about the big picture impact of your role on the company. Organizations and leaders love to see mission-minded professionals. It shows that you’re thinking about the company’s goals deeply, beyond just your immediate scope.

​

5. How can I best communicate with you and other team members to ensure efficient collaboration?

​

Your manager should know that you’re a team player, someone who wants to see the team win. This will set you up for leadership positions in the future.

​

6. What are some team projects that I can assist on?

​

This allows you to learn on the job, stretch yourself beyond your role, and perhaps even close some skills gaps while you’re at it!

​

7. I have an idea for a project to help the company solve X problem, can I present it to you and the team?

​

If you have big ideas, offering to share them with the team showcases initiative and ownership, which will no doubt impress your manager, but also sets you up for future advancement opportunities.

​

8. What steps can I take to advance my career within the company?

​

Remember that you don’t want to lead with this question, get a feel for your manager and their communication style. Communicate your interest in their team and the mini-mission at hand prior to broaching this topic, but be fearless when you sense the green light.

​

9. What opportunities are available for professional development within the company?

​

This will demonstrate a desire for growth, but be careful with leading with this in the earliest stages of a job assignment. I would say four months is a good window, past which you can begin to have these conversations.

​

10. What resources or support can I access to help me achieve my goals?

​

This question can be asked to senior team members or managers, but it shows that you want to deliver on your goals and KPIs. Listen for details and also ask if there are any resources for mental health, wellness and resilience as these are key to helping you thrive in your career journey.