10/09/2026
The first question you ask can shape the whole 1:1.
When I observed a client’s Team Leaders, most opened with:
“How are things going?”
Or:
“How’s your week been?”
They meant well, but almost every team member immediately began talking about a problem, which had an impact on how the whole 1:1 felt.
So, we changed the opening question to: “What’s been your best success this week?”
Or: “What’s the most positive customer feedback you’ve received recently?”
This encouraged team members to reflect on what was working and gave their Team Leader an opportunity to explore what made that success possible.
Of course, you still need to discuss problems in a 1:1, but you don’t always have to start with it!
What question do you use to begin your 1:1s? Share below
