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.
