BolsterUp
Developing Leaders. Driving Results.
Manager 1:1 Framework
Suggested 30-min structure
Open
Direct report's agenda
Manager's agenda
Development
Close
Before the meeting
Shared agenda prep
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- Direct report submits 2–3 topics they want to cover
- Manager reviews and adds any items needing discussion
- Both review prior action items for status updates
During the meeting
Open / check-in
~3 min
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- How are you doing — personally and at work?
- Anything on your mind before we start?
- Energy check: what’s feeling heavy vs. energizing right now?
Direct report’s agenda
~10 min
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- What is blocking the direct report or slowing them down?
- Where does the direct report need input, a decision, or air cover?
- What would make the biggest difference for the direct report this week?
- Any interpersonal or team dynamics the direct report wants to discuss?
Manager’s agenda
~7 min
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- Context and updates the direct report needs to know (org, strategy, priorities)
- Feedback on the direct report’s recent work — specific, timely, two-directional
- Progress check on the direct report’s key priorities and commitments
- What the manager needs from the direct report before the next meeting
Growth & development
~7 min
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- How are you progressing toward your development goals?
- What skill or capability do you want to build right now?
- Is there a stretch opportunity or project that interests you?
- What’s one thing I can do to better support your growth?
Close & commitments
~3 min
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- Recap action items: who owns what, by when
- Anything we didn’t cover that needs to be on next week’s agenda?
- Anything I can do before we meet again to remove friction?
After the meeting
Follow-through
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- Document action items in a shared note or doc
- Deliver on commitments made before the next meeting
- Send any context or resources you promised to share
- Start next meeting’s agenda doc within 24 hours
Want your whole team running 1:1s like this?
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