One-to-Ones
Run better 1-1 meetings, ask the right questions, and build trust through regular, meaningful conversations with your team.
Welcome to the One-to-Ones section of the Manager Toolkit blog. Run better 1-1 meetings, ask the right questions, and build trust through regular, meaningful conversations with your team. Whether you are a new manager learning the ropes or an experienced leader sharpening your craft, the articles below offer practical, opinionated guidance you can apply with your team this week.
We write from the perspective of working managers, not theory. Every article is rooted in the day-to-day reality of running a team: the tradeoffs, the awkward moments, the things nobody told you when you got promoted. You will find templates, scripts, checklists, and honest takes on what works and what does not.
Browse the 5 articles below, or explore the full blog index for more topics. If you find something useful, consider trying Manager Toolkit, the free toolkit built specifically for people managers.
1-1sMeetingsBest One to One Meeting Software for Managers
A practical guide to choosing the right one to one meeting software. Learn what to look for in a 1:1 meeting tool, how to build a consistent catchup habit, and how Manager Toolkit helps you run better one to ones.
8 min readRead
1-1sMeetingsHow to Run a Great 1-1 Meeting
A practical guide to running one-to-ones that build trust, surface blockers early, and give your team member a place to speak freely.
6 min readRead
1-1sMeetings50 Great 1-1 Meeting Questions
The best 1-1 questions open up real conversations. Here are 50 questions covering wellbeing, growth, blockers, feedback, and more.
8 min readRead
1-1sCatchupsWhy Holding 1-1s Matters
Cancel a 1-1 twice and the message is clear. Protect the slot and show up with context - that is when real stuff gets said.
4 min readRead
1-1sMeetingsWhy Showing Up Prepared to Meetings Matters
Walk in with no idea what you discussed last time and the other person feels forgotten. A quick scan of last time changes that.
4 min readRead