- If you're a direct manager in the 1:1, it is your job to take notes. Period.
- 1:1s are business meetings about results, and sometimes personal matters are discussed.
- If you have role power, you need to be cautious with what you say during a 1:1. People will take things literally.
- Agendas should be simple. 10 minutes you, 10 minutes me, 10 minutes for the future. Most important thing first, always.
- To start a 1:1, make a statement or a question, sometimes the small talk is not wanted or dreaded. "How's it going", "How are you", "How are things" are all valid.
- Don't come with an agenda to a 1:1. People hate not being able to contribute.
- If you setup 1:1s as a tool to get to know the team members you work with regularly, follow a simple 15 minutes you, 15 minutes me type of deal. (Especially if you're a PM, TPM, or EM working with another discipline)