Free agenda template

Difficult Conversations

This template is here to help you have the difficult conversations you dread. A constructive approach that helps managers create room for their reports to be heard and contribute towards a path forward in any situation.

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MeetingAction itemsDecisions

Establish the reason for the conversation and the objective. Do you want to give feedback, understand your team member’s points of view, or plan a solution to a problem?

Define is the issue, its impact, and the potential consequences of doing nothing.

Discuss - Listen to what your team member has to say. Why is it important to resolve this situation? What’s at stake if we don’t resolve it? How could you do things differently?

What are some of the actionable takeaways from the conversation? What needs to happen next and who’s responsible for those actions?

How do you feel about how this conversation went?

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More 1-on-1 Templates for Managers to use in Sensitive Situations

These templates are intended to guide managers through specific situations that may be more difficult than your average 1-on-1.

Re-defining Role and Responsibilities

Is this what you expected when you took the job? If not, which aspects are different?

How do you feel about the way you allocate your time? Has it changed since you started your job?

Are we making the most of your strengths? How could we put them to better use?

Is there anything you're not doing which would improve your team's performance?

Are there any undesirable tasks that you can simplify, automate, delegate or drop altogether?

What could we do to make this your dream job?