Team Lead interview question · Most asked
How do you run 1:1s with your team members?
Summary
Regularly (weekly or bi-weekly), 30 minutes, with a shared agenda the team member owns. The time is for their topics, blockers, feedback in both directions, growth and wellbeing — not status updates. I take notes and follow up on actions.
Longer Answer
I keep a shared document per person with recurring prompts: what's on your mind, what's in your way, one piece of feedback each way, progress on your growth goal, and monthly a quick 'how are you really doing' check. I reschedule rather than cancel. When someone says there's nothing to discuss, I use the time for career or feedback. Following through on actions is what makes 1:1s trusted.
Key Points
- Regular, report-owned agenda
- Blockers, feedback, growth, wellbeing — not status
- Notes and follow-through
Deep dive: Effective 1:1s
Explanation
What interviewers look for
A practised, people-centred approach and consistency.
Red flags
- Using 1:1s for status
- Cancelling them when busy
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