Career development
Prepare a one-to-one agenda that needs a conversation
Choose the matters you want to discuss with your manager, such as a decision that is blocked or feedback on recent work. Give each item enough context to explain the request. Put the most time-sensitive question first and note any preparation the conversation needs.
A text to start with
I have a one-to-one with my manager on [date], with [time available]. These are the topics I want to discuss: [topics and context]. Write a short agenda with the help or feedback needed for each item. Include options I have already considered and mark where I need help identifying options. Suggest priorities using my stated urgency and estimated discussion time.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.One-to-one agenda item
Meeting date and time available: [ ] Topic: [ ] Decision, feedback or help needed: [ ] Context: [ ] Options I have considered, if any: [ ] What I need help figuring out: [ ] Estimated discussion time: [ ] Priority and reason: [ ] Decision or feedback from the meeting: [ ] Agreed next step, owner and date: [ ]
Items that are not ready
Check that each item tells your manager what help you need. A question such as "thoughts on the project?" leaves that unclear; name the decision, difficulty or feedback you want to discuss. List options you have considered, and say when you need help identifying options. Estimate the discussion time for each item so you can choose priorities. Keep sensitive details within the people and systems authorized for that conversation.
Ask another agent to check the result
Review this agenda against my stated needs and available meeting time. Flag any item whose request is unclear, context is missing or estimate seems uncertain. Identify which questions need discussion and which updates could use the communication method we normally use. Do not invent options or assume the manager has already agreed to an action.
Use the time and follow up
Share the agenda using the preparation routine you and your manager prefer. During the meeting, note decisions and who accepted each next step. Review those notes together if anything remains ambiguous, then put agreed follow-up dates into the system you use for your work.