How Not to Turn Your 1:1 into a 0:0

1:1s can be the most rewarding meetings - but they can also be wasted time.
It’s on you to make them useful.

Whether you’re new or experienced in your role, your 1:1s with your manager can make a big difference in your growth and day-to-day happiness.

Below are practical tips on how to run 1:1s well so you get more value from them.

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1. Own Your 1:1: It’s Your Time

• Remember: The 1:1 is for you. Use it to bring up what matters most to you.

• Prepare an agenda: Keep a running doc where you jot down topics as they come up. This could be anything from technical blockers, career questions, to feedback on team processes.

• Prioritize: When too many topics accumulate, choose the ones that matter most. It’s okay to ask to extend the meeting or schedule follow-up time.

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2. Go Beyond Status Updates

• Avoid repeating what’s already covered in team meetings. Use this time to dive deeper: data strategy, experiment design, metrics, assumptions.

• Talk about challenges: Bring up where you’re stuck (modeling issues, ambiguous results, debugging) and ask for guidance.

• Share wins and learnings: Celebrate what’s working, and reflect on what didn’t.

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3. Track Follow-Ups

• Write down action items: After each 1:1, note down what you and your manager agreed to do. Tag who owns each follow-up.

• Check back: Review these notes before your next 1:1 to keep things moving.

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4. Ask for Feedback and Support

• Proactively seek feedback: Don’t wait for review cycles. Ask how you can improve your analyses, presentations, or impact.

• Clarify expectations: If you’re unsure about priorities or what “success” looks like, ask directly.

• Request resources: Need mentorship on causal inference? Want to learn a new tool? Ask for support or connections.

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5. Talk About Career Growth

• Discuss your goals: Share your interests—whether it’s leading projects, deepening technical skills, or exploring new domains.

• Ask for opportunities: Let your manager know what kinds of projects or skills you want to develop.

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6. Lead with Vulnerability

• Model openness: Be open about the areas you struggle with, your uncertainties, or what feedback you fear.

7. Use Smart Cadence & Format (bonus one)