Prepare a useful one-to-one
Fictional example: Northstar Works is a made-up multi-site organization. Use this guide to arrive with a clear topic, make room for both perspectives, and leave with an agreed next step.
A practical 30-minute conversation
Illustrative agenda—not a required schedule or a live meeting record.
| Time | Focus | Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 min | Check in | What feels most important to make time for today? |
| 5–10 min | Choose a focus | Which topic would be most useful to leave clearer? |
| 10–23 min | Explore the topic | What have you tried, what is getting in the way, and what would help? |
| 23–30 min | Agree next steps | What will each of us do, and when will we check back? |
Prepare, focus, and follow through
Each person can prepare independently; share only what is useful for the conversation.
- Prepare separately Before the meeting, each person notes one useful outcome and up to two topics. Bring a question or example rather than trying to write a full report.
- Choose one main topic Compare the topics and agree which one matters most today. Park other items for another conversation or a more appropriate route.
- Turn discussion into an action Name an observable next step, its owner, and a check-in point. Example: Northstar Works' fictional Service Desk lead says, “I’ll share the draft handoff checklist with the evening team by Thursday; can we review their comments at our next one-to-one?” The manager replies, “Yes—I’ll make space for that review.”
- Follow through At the next meeting, revisit the agreed step: completed, still in progress, or no longer needed. If priorities changed, agree a revised next step together.
Keep the conversation useful
A shared practice, not a performance form
Ask before advising: “Would it help to think through options together, or would you prefer me to listen first?”
Make the agreement concrete: Replace “improve the handoff” with a specific action, an owner, and a time to revisit it.
Choose the right route: If a topic needs a decision, specialist support, or a process outside this conversation, agree who will take it forward and where to seek the appropriate guidance.