Step 1 The 4-Block Agenda
Block 1
Rapport
5 min
One wellbeing question. Read the room first.
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Block 2
Blockers
10 min
What is slowing them down. Commit to one action.
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Block 3
Growth
10 min
Keep the career conversation alive between reviews.
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Block 4
Upward Feedback
5 min
Ask how you as manager could do better. Always close here.
Step 2 Core 12 — Pick one per block, circle it before you walk in
Rapport & Wellbeing
Circle one →
How are you doing, honestly?
What has been the highlight of your week, in or out of work?
Is anything keeping you awake at night?
Blockers & Support
Circle one →
What is the biggest roadblock you are facing right now?
What one thing can I do this week to make your job easier?
Do you have everything you need to hit your goals this quarter?
Growth & Career
Circle one →
What skills do you want to sharpen in the next quarter?
Where do you see yourself in 18 months?
What kind of support or mentorship would help you grow?
Upward Feedback
Circle one →
What one thing could I do differently to support you better?
What is one thing I do well that you would like me to keep doing?
Am I giving you enough clarity on team direction?
Vary it Rotate In — When the core 12 feel repetitive, swap one of these in
1What's something that has brought you joy or excitement recently?
2What recent accomplishment are you most proud of, and what made it successful?
3How comfortable do you feel communicating openly with your team?
4If you could improve one aspect of your workflow, what would it be?
5Do you feel you have enough opportunities for career advancement here?
6What stretch project would you take on if time allowed?
7What do I do that slows you down?
8What is one blind spot you think I have as a manager?
Step 3 After the Meeting — Capture before you close your laptop
✓ Action items — owner + deadline
★ Recognition to give — specific behavior or result
Name the exact thing they did well
▷ Growth note — what they said about career or development
→ Bring to next meeting — one open thread to follow up on
1:1 Meeting Cheat Sheet — Free Printable