Questions to Ask Employees
One-on-one Meetings
Sample Questions
These are great examples of questions for managers to ask in one-on-one meetings. It is important that these conversations are honest and productive, the questions below will assist in achieving this in your one-on-ones.
Adapted from .
Many managers like to use the same, unassuming opener each week to start one-on-one meetings. It may seem boring, but doing so encourages direct reports to drive the conversation by starting with a topic they want to talk about (remember, it's their meeting). The answer will also help you gauge how they’re feeling that week.
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How’s it going?
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So, what's most on your mind?
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What would you like to start with?
Proactive questions about job satisfaction can help unearth issues before they become full-blown problems — and lead to unwanted turnover. Some direct reports are more forthcoming than others, so even if the answers to these questions sound positive, listen for clues to deeper issues, and ask plenty of follow-up questions.
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How are you feeling about your role?
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Are you happy here? What makes you say that?
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What do you consider to be your best accomplishment? Do you feel appreciated for it?
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If you could work on anything for the next month, what would it be? What makes you say that?
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What's the one thing that could make your work more satisfying, and why?