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Engineering LeadershipFoundational 4 min readUpdated 2026-04

Running Effective 1:1s

A repeatable structure for 1:1s that keeps them useful — shared agenda, personal check-in, progress review, growth, coaching, and tracked actions.

Leadership1:1s

Cadence

Weekly or bi-weekly with each direct report. Treat them as a default-on meeting; reschedule rather than cancel.

A useful structure

  • Personal check-in (5 min).
  • Shared-agenda topics — they own half the agenda.
  • Progress on goals and recent work.
  • Concerns, blockers, and decisions needed.
  • Growth and development.
  • Coaching on a current challenge.
  • Capture action items and follow up next time.