You're in your weekly one-on-one. Your manager runs through deadlines, blockers, team updates. Then they pause:
"Anything you want to discuss?"
Your mind blanks. You don't want to waste the chance with a throwaway line—or worse, say nothing. You want to ask something that (a) helps you grow, (b) builds trust with your manager, and (c) avoids sounding needy or unprepared.
This post fixes that moment. Below you'll find 25 employee-tested questions grouped by theme, plus advice on how to use your 1:1s as career rocket fuel.
Why the right question matters
Great 1:1 questions do three things:
- Signal ownership: You're not passively waiting for direction; you're driving your career.
- Strengthen alignment: The fastest way to avoid miscommunication is to surface expectations early.
- Build trust: Managers remember people who think beyond the task list.
Gallup research shows employees who use 1:1s to talk about growth (not just status updates) are 3× more likely to stay engaged and 2× more likely to get promoted.
How to ask without making it awkward
- Frame for learning, not blame. Swap "Why did you…" with "Can you share how you approached…"
- Balance short- and long-term. Don't just ask about this week's sprint—ask about skills you'll need next year.
- Curiosity > complaint. "What's one area I can level up in?" lands better than "Why don't I get training?"
- End with next steps. Managers love when your question naturally tees up action.
The 25 Questions to Ask in Your Next 1:1
Role Clarity & Priorities
- "What's the one thing I could do this week that would make your life easier?"
- "How do you define success for me this quarter?"
- "If I had to drop one responsibility, which would hurt least?"
Feedback & Growth
- "What's one area you think I should double down on improving?"
- "Where have you seen me add the most value recently?"
- "How do you think others on the team perceive my work?"
Career Development
- "What skills would help me prepare for the next step in my career?"
- "Which projects could stretch me beyond my current comfort zone?"
- "If you were me, what would you focus on learning this year?"
- "What role do you see me ready for in 2–3 years if I keep growing at my current pace?"
Team Dynamics
- "What do you hear about how our team is working together?"
- "Is there anything I can do to help make the team more effective?"
- "Which team do we need a stronger relationship with, and how can I help build it?"
Manager's Perspective
- "What's something you wish your team understood about your role?"
- "What's one priority you feel isn't getting enough attention?"
- "What keeps you up at night right now?"
Company Direction
- "What upcoming changes should I be preparing for?"
- "Which company goals do you think our team is most critical to?"
- "What do senior leaders care most about right now?"
Work-Life & Support
- "Where do you see me risking burnout?"
- "Are there tools or resources you think I should be using that I'm not?"
- "How can I flag when I feel overloaded without it sounding like I'm complaining?"
Feedback for Them (yes, you should ask)
- "What's one thing I can do to make our 1:1s more useful for you?"
- "What kind of updates do you prefer—quick summaries or detailed breakdowns?"
- "What's the best way for me to bring you bad news?"
Pro Tip: Bank Your Questions
Keep a running list in Notion, Apple Notes, or even a Slack DM to yourself. Add items as they pop up during the week so you never show up to your 1:1 empty-handed.
The worst 1:1 question is silence.
Your manager can only support the career you actually talk about. Ask good questions, and you'll turn 1:1s from status checks into strategy sessions.
