A better agenda for your manager 1:1
Do not spend the whole 1:1 reciting tasks your manager can read in Slack.
Use this when
- Your 1:1s have become status meetings.
- You want clearer priorities or feedback from your manager.
- You need to make your thinking visible without performing.
Agenda message
For our 1:1, I suggest we use the time on: 1. Output: what changed because of this week's work. 2. Blockers: where I need a decision or context. 3. Priorities: what I should trade off if new work comes in. 4. Growth: one thing I should improve for the next level.
Opening line
I have the status update written down. I'd rather use the time on decisions, trade-offs, and feedback.
Closing line
My takeaways are:
1. {{decision}}
2. {{priority}}
3. {{next action}}
I'll send a short update by {{date}}.Weak version
I worked on X, Y, and Z. Any feedback?
Better version
I have the status written down. Can we use the time on the decision I need, the trade-off I'm seeing, and what would make this stronger?
Why this works
- It turns the 1:1 from reporting into judgment practice.
- It makes your manager useful instead of just informed.
- It creates a paper trail of decisions and priorities.
Do not do this
- Do not arrive with nothing and expect mentorship to happen.
- Do not make the meeting only about tasks.
- Do not leave without a decision, priority, or next action.
Need the full set of work replies?
Get the scripts, review prep templates, proof system, and daily missions for managing up without sounding like a LinkedIn post.
Get the protocol