A Powerful 1:1 Notion Template

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” - Peter Drucker

Hello 👋 I'm Ronan, and I'm Sabrina's Executive Assistant. Sabrina recommends this 1-1 Template for her direct reports but know that 1:1s are customizable depending on your needs which is why we use this Notion template

What are one-on-one meetings, or 1:1s?

They are a regular and structured conversations between a manager and a direct report

‍

Why are 1:1s important?

• They create a safe and trusting environment where manager and direct report can work together and cooperate effectively
• They help direct reports like me do our best work, feel appreciated, and stay motivated by giving us feedback, coaching, and recognition
• It shows that managers care about our happiness, and well-being at work by listening to their concerns, challenges, and ideas
• They empower direct reports to grow, learn, and achieve our potential by supporting our career development and growth

Are there no cons to 1:1s?

1:1s also pose some challenges and drawbacks, such as:

• It can be hard and time-consuming to find a good time for them, especially when you are busy or working remotely
• They can be a waste of time or even hurtful if you don’t prepare, execute, or follow up well
• They can make your direct report feel anxious, stressed, or invaded, specially if they are not comfortable with honest and sometimes personal conversations with their managers
• They can create unrealistic expectations or dependencies, if they are not aligned with the goals, policies, and culture of the organization

Therefore, 1:1s need careful planning, execution, and evaluation to ensure that they are useful, effective, and beneficial for both parties. Some of the best practices for having successful 1:1s are:

• Sharing a clear agenda and purpose for each meeting is a good way to make the most of your 1:1 time with your direct report. By having them work on the 1:1 doc before the meeting, you can ensure that they have thought about their goals, challenges, feedback, and questions. By reviewing it before meeting, you can prepare your own input, guidance, and support. This way, you can have a more productive and meaningful conversation with your direct report.
• Stick to a suitable time, frequency, and duration for each meeting
• Use open-ended questions, active listening, and constructive feedback to create a two-way dialogue and build rapport
• Focus on each other's needs, goals, and development, and offer them support, guidance, and recognition
• Track and follow up on the action items, progress, and outcomes of each meeting

‍

Here is the 1:1 template for Notion that you and your team can use and duplicate

‍

By following these tips and using the template, managers and direct reports can optimize their 1:1s and enjoy the benefits of having a strong and trusting relationship. 1:1s are not only a way to check in on work, but also a way to check in on each other. They are an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together.