Engineering Manager 1:1 Template (Copy & Paste)

Free copy-paste 1:1 meeting template for engineering managers. Structure productive one-on-ones with your direct reports using this proven framework.

Run effective one-on-one meetings with your engineering team using this structured template. Cover career growth, blockers, feedback, and team dynamics in every conversation.

Template (Copy & Paste)

# 1:1 Meeting Template - [Employee Name] - [Date]

## Check-in (5 min)
- How are you feeling this week?
- Energy level: 1-10
- Work-life balance check

## Progress & Wins (10 min)
- What went well since our last 1:1?
- Accomplishments you're proud of
- Progress on current projects

## Challenges & Blockers (10 min)
- What's been difficult or frustrating?
- Any blockers I can help remove?
- Technical or team collaboration issues

## Career Development (10 min)
- Skills you want to develop
- Projects you're interested in
- Long-term career goals
- Promotion timeline discussion

## Feedback (5 min)
- Feedback for me as your manager
- Team dynamics observations
- Process improvements

## Action Items
- [ ] [Action item 1]
- [ ] [Action item 2]
- [ ] [Action item 3]

## Next Meeting Topics
- Topic for next 1:1

How to Use This Template

  1. 1Schedule recurring 30-45 minute 1:1s (weekly or biweekly)
  2. 2Send this template to your report 24 hours before the meeting
  3. 3Ask them to fill in their sections ahead of time
  4. 4Start with check-in to build rapport and gauge mood
  5. 5Let them drive the agenda - they should talk 70% of the time
  6. 6Take notes in a shared doc for accountability
  7. 7End with clear action items and next steps
  8. 8Review previous action items at the start of next meeting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✕Canceling or rescheduling frequently - makes reports feel deprioritized
  • ✕Using 1:1 time for status updates - save that for standup
  • ✕Dominating the conversation - you should be listening more
  • ✕Skipping career development - address growth every few meetings
  • ✕Not documenting action items - leads to lost context
  • ✕Avoiding difficult conversations - 1:1s are for honest feedback
  • ✕Making it too formal - balance structure with authentic connection

Related Resources

Skip-Level Meeting Questions
Feedback Template for Engineers
Difficult Conversation Template

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