One-on-one meetings with your boss
are golden opportunities to build rapport, gain insights, and align on goals. However, making the most of these sessions requires asking the right questions. Thoughtful inquiries can help you grow professionally, clarify expectations, and strengthen your working relationship. Here are six solid questions to consider for your next one-on-one.
1. What are your priorities for our team right now?
Understanding your boss’s current priorities ensures that your efforts align with the broader goals of the team or organization. It shows initiative and helps you focus on the tasks that matter most.
Why It Matters:
This question opens up a conversation about shifting priorities and helps you stay proactive in addressing them.
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2. How do you feel about my recent performance?
Feedback is critical for growth, and asking for it directly demonstrates a willingness to learn and improve. This question encourages constructive dialogue about your strengths and areas for development.
Why It Matters:
Your boss will appreciate your commitment to professional growth, and it gives you actionable insights to refine your performance.
3. Are there any upcoming opportunities I should prepare for?
This question signals that you are forward-thinking and eager to contribute. It could uncover projects, training programs, or leadership opportunities you might not be aware of.
Why It Matters:
It positions you as someone who is proactive about career development and ready to take on new challenges.
4. What challenges or obstacles do you see for the team?
This question shifts the focus to a team-oriented perspective. It shows that you care about collective success and are willing to contribute to solving problems.
Why It Matters:
It can provide valuable insight into broader issues affecting your work and help you identify ways to add value.
5. How can I better support you and the team?
Demonstrating your willingness to support your boss and colleagues fosters a positive working relationship. It also opens the door for honest feedback about how you can be more effective in your role.
Why It Matters:
This question highlights your team-player attitude and builds trust with your manager.
6. What skills or knowledge should I focus on developing?
Professional growth is a continuous process, and your boss is in a prime position to guide you on which skills will help you advance in your role.
Why It Matters:
It shows initiative in taking charge of your development and aligns your growth with the organization’s needs.
Conclusion
One-on-one meetings are more than just a check-in—they’re a chance to engage meaningfully with your boss and take charge of your career. Asking the right questions can help you gain clarity, build trust, and demonstrate your commitment to both personal and team success. By integrating these six questions into your conversations, you can ensure that your one-on-ones are both productive and impactful.
