15 Powerful Questions to Ask Your Manager in Your 1:1 Meetings
Managing Up
When you start a new job, you often look forward to one-on-one (1:1) meetings with your manager—seeing them as opportunities for guidance, support, and career growth. However, it’s not uncommon for these meetings to quickly become routine project updates and assign additional tasks with little focus on your development, leaving you feeling micromanaged and unsupported in your personal development. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
A truly effective 1:1 meeting between managers and their team members should address both professional responsibilities and personal aspirations. These interactions are crucial for enhancing performance, fostering growth, and nurturing well-being, ultimately benefiting the team and the organization. However, since managers typically lead these discussions, an employee's needs can sometimes be overlooked. That’s where you come in—by asking the right questions, you can ensure your needs are addressed, making the conversation productive for you and your manager.
As we progress in our careers, it’s crucial to have regular check-ins with our managers. If you’re not getting the feedback or clarity you need, it’s time to shift the conversation toward your needs. By asking thoughtful questions, you can gain the guidance you need, align your efforts with company goals, and open doors to new growth opportunities.
Here are fifteen questions that can drive the best conversations and help you maximize your one-on-ones:
Seek Guidance on Projects and Challenges
When you’re facing obstacles or uncertainties, your manager can be an invaluable resource. Here’s how to tap into their expertise:
"I'm struggling with [specific task]. Could you help me navigate it?"
"I have an idea for [specific project]. What’s your take, and how can I improve it?"
Clarify Priorities and Expectations
Understanding what’s most important to your manager is critical to prioritizing your workload effectively and ensuring you are both on the same page. Check-in with your manager to see how you are doing:
3. "What should be my top priority right now, and why?"
4. "Am I focusing on the right tasks? Do I need to adjust my approach?
Align Your Work with Organizational Goals
To ensure your efforts are contributing to the broader company objectives, ask:
5. "How does my work contribute to the company’s larger objectives?"
6. "What recent shifts in our strategic priorities should I be aware of?"
Explore Growth Opportunities
Your one-on-one meetings are also a great time to discuss your short-term and long-term career goals:
7. "What steps can I take to prepare for more responsibility or pursue my interest in [specific area]?"
What skills do I need to develop, and how might they be helpful in the future?
9. "What should be my next career move, and why?"
Strengthen Your Relationship
Your one-on-one meetings are more than just task reviews—they're a key opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your manager. Taking a few minutes to connect personally at the start or end of your meeting can make a big difference in understanding each other better and creating a more supportive work environment.
Consider asking questions like:
10. How’s your day going?
11. What’s something exciting happening outside of work?
12. Is there anything you’d like to know about me? (And if you’re not comfortable sharing something, it’s okay to set boundaries)
Extend Your Support
Remember, your manager also has goals and challenges to navigate. Offering your support can be invaluable. Just as you look to your manager for guidance, they might appreciate your help in meeting their objectives. Offering your assistance not only strengthens your working relationship but also increases the likelihood of receiving the support you need in return.
13. What are your priorities over the next X days? Where can I offer you support?
Request Constructive Feedback
Finally, getting feedback is essential for your professional growth:
14. "Am I meeting your expectations? Am I on track to meet my goals? I'd appreciate your honest feedback on my performance."
15. "What should I start, stop, or continue doing to be more effective?"
Strategically Use These Questions
You can’t cover everything in one meeting, so focus on one or two categories each time. Rotate through the topics over time, and don’t hesitate to dig deeper with a simple follow-up like "Why?" to gain further insights.
Final Thoughts
Effective one-on-one meetings are crucial not only for your personal success but also for the success of your team and organization. By asking thoughtful questions, you can turn your one-on-ones into valuable opportunities for growth and alignment. Remember, these conversations aren’t just about getting feedback—they’re about actively shaping your development and ensuring your work aligns with the bigger picture.
So, the next time you sit down with your manager, bring these questions to the table and make the most of your time together.