The Perfect Ending: 27 Ways to End One-On-Ones Effectively
A great ending to one-on-ones elevates energy.
Turn toward confidence and action at the conclusion of one-on-ones.
Endings set direction.
How to conclude 1:1s:
End one-on-ones with reflection:
- What’s clearer now than when we began this conversation?
- What has our conversation brought to mind?
- What stood out for you from our conversation today?
- What’s the message you’re giving yourself as a result of our conversation?
- What’s shifting in your thinking?
- What’s the most valuable thing that happened during our conversation?
- If you shared an important takeaway from our conversation with a friend, what would you tell them?
End one-on-ones focused on next steps:
- What comes to mind when you consider next steps?
- What’s your initial plan?
- What would you like to do first as a result of our meeting?
- What’s your next step, now that the path forward is clearer?
- What’s one thing you can do differently as a result of our conversation?
- What’s your action item?
- What can I ask you about next time we meet?
End one-on-ones planning forward movement:
- What insight did you gain today that’s going to impact how you do your job?
- How can I help?
- How can I support forward movement?
- What might prevent forward movement? What do you want to do if that happens?
- What could you do more of? Less off?
- What needs to happen for you to move forward with this?
Conclude with affirmations:
- I respect your personal commitment to growth.
- I admire your ability to…. I think it will serve you well as you move forward.
- I’m excited to see how your plan of action works for you.
- Keep believing in yourself. You’re moving in a positive direction.
- I look forward to our next conversation.
- I’m confident you can make this work.
- I notice your influence on the team when I see….
Choose one question and one affirmation to end your next one-on-one.
What’s your favorite way to conclude one-on-ones?
Dig deeper:
The 3 Most Important Moments in a One-On-One
3 Ways to Jumpstart One-On-Ones
Make the Most of Your One-on-One Meetings (hbr.org)
Email me to explore 1:1 coaching.
“Endings set direction”. What a great reminder to make sure to nail the ending. It’s not as easy as you think it is! Thanks
You’re right, Tim. Ending well is challenging. Too often we’re rushed at the end because we haven’t managed time well.
I love these suggestions. Thank you.
A few other favorites include:
What are you taking away from this session?
How will you use this knowledge?
What did you learn about yourself today?
Thanks, Robin. “What did you learn about yourself today,” speaks to me.