I've come from both sides of the coin. My last job I was a senior developer turned Group Leader. At one point I had monthly 1:1 with 12 direct reports. I tailored my conversations to the individuals. Although I was much like Jess Lee, some people didn't want to speak of things outside of the workplace.
Normal work-related questions:
How is your project going?
Do you need me to help with any roadblocks?
Are you happy with the work you're currently doing? If not, what would you like to try?
Depending on where they are in their career we'll skim over their high-end career goals or deep dive into the final few things needed to move forward from associate to consultant, to senior, etc.
Outside of those, it's mainly more open-ended life questions. How's the work-life balance? Is there anything I can help to give you more personal time? How's the wife/husband and kids, etc.
Current 1:1 - I'm a developer again (Here are things I'm asked and also say)
Is there anything you want to talk about work-related?
How is your project going?
Do you have anything to report on your extra-curricular (non-developer) work?
Have you watched any good movies/music (my boss and I are both music/movie buffs)?
We talk about the kids/wives, etc.
So I think it depends on what you want from your 1:1s. Do you want your 1:1s to be more formal, informal, etc.? What is your career goal with the 1:1s and plan accordingly. Personally, I like to have a personal report and enjoy a boss who isn't a micro-manager, but that's me.
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I've come from both sides of the coin. My last job I was a senior developer turned Group Leader. At one point I had monthly 1:1 with 12 direct reports. I tailored my conversations to the individuals. Although I was much like Jess Lee, some people didn't want to speak of things outside of the workplace.
Normal work-related questions:
Current 1:1 - I'm a developer again (Here are things I'm asked and also say)
So I think it depends on what you want from your 1:1s. Do you want your 1:1s to be more formal, informal, etc.? What is your career goal with the 1:1s and plan accordingly. Personally, I like to have a personal report and enjoy a boss who isn't a micro-manager, but that's me.