What should be on a 1-on-1 agenda?

A good 1-on-1 agenda has three parts: a check-in on the person's current state (how they are, not just what they are working on), a focused discussion on the most important topic for this meeting, and a short forward look: what support do they need, what are the priorities, what will you both follow through on. Most 1-on-1 agendas try to cover too much; three focused items beats a list of ten.

How long should a 1-on-1 agenda be?

For a 30-minute 1-on-1, aim for 2–3 agenda items. More than that and the meeting becomes a rushed checklist. Less and it risks drifting into small talk. Quality of discussion matters more than quantity of topics covered. One real conversation is more valuable than five superficial check-ins.

Should the manager or the direct report set the 1-on-1 agenda?

Both. The most effective 1-on-1s are co-owned: the direct report brings what is on their mind, and the manager brings 1–2 topics they want to address. A simple shared document or standing agenda item like "what's on your mind this week?" ensures the direct report's priorities always have a place, not just the manager's.

What is a good 1-on-1 agenda for a new employee?

For a new employee, the agenda should focus on orientation, belonging, and early feedback. Useful topics in the first month include: how they are settling in and what feels unclear, early wins they can point to, anything that has surprised them about the role or team, and what would make their onboarding feel complete. Avoid filling new-employee 1-on-1s with task updates. Use them to build trust and surface concerns early.

How does Lead-well help build 1-on-1 agendas?

Lead-well's 1-on-1 Prep feature generates a tailored agenda based on each person's profile, their recent context, and your previous session notes. Instead of starting from a blank page, you get a focused set of discussion areas and suggested questions, ready in a few minutes. After the meeting, outcomes are saved for continuity next time.

Example 1-on-1 Agenda for Managers: Templates for Every Situation