4 Questions to Ask in Every 1:1 That Make You Look Brilliant

Let’s be honest—most people waste their 1:1s talking about status updates that could’ve been an email.

Meanwhile, the real career-makers are using these meetings as powerful opportunities for visibility and growth.

Here are the exact questions that transformed my 1:1s from awkward progress reports into career-advancing conversations.

🔥 Game-Changing 1:1 Questions

1️⃣ “Based on [company goal], should we prioritize [X] or [Y] for next quarter?”

💡 Why it works:
✔️ Demonstrates business awareness
✔️ Shows you’re thinking ahead
✔️ Aligns your work with company objectives
✔️ Makes you look proactive, not reactive

🚫 The wrong version: “What should I focus on next?” (Makes you look like you need hand-holding)

2️⃣ “I noticed [industry trend/competitor move]. How do you see this affecting our strategy?”

💡 Why it works:
✔️ Shows you’re paying attention to the bigger picture
✔️ Creates meaningful discussion
✔️ Positions you as a strategic thinker
✔️ Opens doors to bigger projects

🚫 The wrong version: “Have you seen what [competitor] is doing?” (Sounds like gossip rather than strategy)

3️⃣ “What does success look like for [project/team] in 6 months?”

💡 Why it works:
✔️ Helps you align your efforts with expectations
✔️ Shows long-term thinking
✔️ Creates clarity on priorities
✔️ Opens promotion discussions naturally

🚫 The wrong version: “Am I doing okay?” (Puts you in a junior position immediately)

4️⃣ “I’ve noticed [specific bottleneck] in our process – can we discuss some solutions I’ve been thinking about?”

💡 Why it works:
✔️ Shows you’re actively solving problems, not just pointing them out
✔️ Demonstrates you understand the bigger picture
✔️ Opens a real conversation, not just box-ticking
✔️ Positions you as someone who takes initiative

🚫 The wrong version: “Do you have any feedback for me?” (Puts all the work on your manager and shows no initiative)

⚡ The Power Move Framework

📌 Before Every 1:1:

✅ Review company announcements
✅ Check industry news
✅ Prepare specific examples
✅ Have numbers ready

🗣️ During the Meeting:

✔️ Take visible notes
✔️ Use the questions strategically
✔️ Listen more than you talk
✔️ Look for action items

📩 After the Meeting:

✅ Send a follow-up summary
✅ Include agreed actions
✅ Add deadlines
✅ Keep it brief but specific

🚀 The Results You’ll See

✅ More strategic assignments
✅ Better visibility with senior leadership
✅ A clearer path to promotion
✅ A stronger relationship with your manager

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💡 What This ISN’T About:

❌ Brown-nosing
❌ Showing off
❌ Creating extra work
❌ Playing office politics

✅ What This IS About:

✔️ Strategic positioning
✔️ Career advancement
✔️ Adding real value
✔️ Building professional relationships

Want More Strategies That Actually Work?

Our Blueprint Course includes a complete module on managing up and turning every interaction into a career-advancing opportunity.

Because your time is too valuable to waste on status updates that could’ve been a Slack message. 🚀