1:1 Meetings
20 1:1 Conversation Starters
In a 1:1, the opener should make it easier to check in without forcing a deep answer. These prompts can bridge from light conversation into work, support, and next steps.
How to use them in a 1:1
- Start light, but do not over-explore a topic the other person does not want to discuss.
- Questions about recent work, support, and working style often lead naturally into the agenda.
- If the answer is short, it is fine to move on to the main topic.
20 1:1 conversation starters
Quick check-in prompts
- What's felt easier at work recently?
- How would you describe this week in one word?
- What's been a nice little reset for you lately?
- What's one rhythm in your current way of working that you want to protect?
- When did you feel a little more breathing room recently?
Prompts that bridge into work
- What's a small insight you got from work recently?
- What's something worth sharing early about your current work?
- What's one thing that has been moving well lately?
- What's one improvement you'd like to try next?
- What's a tool or feature that turned out to be more helpful than expected?
Prompts that surface support needs
- What's something the team did recently that really helped you?
- What's something you'd like to ask about right now?
- When you're stuck, what kind of help makes the biggest difference?
- What's something you've wanted to explain more clearly lately?
- What's one decision that would make this week easier?
When a slightly deeper prompt fits
- What part of your work feels most enjoyable right now?
- What's one ability you most want to grow right now?
- When did you recently feel your own strength show up?
- When work feels uncertain, what way of thinking helps you reset?
- What's one shift you'd like to try in the way you work next?
Other situations
For team meetings, see meeting starters. For lighter workplace prompts, see workplace conversation starters.