Supervisor Guide for 1-to-1 Conversations Purpose: Regular, informal 1:1 check-in conversations with your direct reports serve to •
Build and strengthen trust both ways
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Check they are ok - their wellbeing and workload
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Recognize achievements
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Support their motivation and engagement
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Spot any issues early
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Support safe, effective work
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Keep communication flowing both ways
Frequency and Format: • Frequency: Best to agree which frequency would work best for both of you - typically
every 2–4 weeks (more often for new starters) • Duration: about 20–30 minutes • Setting: find a quiet, private, and relaxed location (ideally in person, but could be virtual) • Tone: build ‘psychological safety’ to have an open conversation. It is an informal
meeting, conversational and supportive
Suggested structure (20–30 minutes) 1. Open the conversation (2-3 mins) 2. Wellbeing, work, day to day experience (5-7 mins) 3. Recognize what has been achieved and what has been going well (5 mins) 4. Support, development and improvement (5 mins) 5. Close positively (2-3 mins)
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