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Career Development 1:1 Meeting Template

Introduction

Career development conversations are essential for employee engagement, retention, and growth. This template provides a focused framework for conducting effective 30-minute career development 1:1s that help your team members envision and work toward their professional aspirations.

Before the Meeting

  • Schedule 30 minutes in a distraction-free environment
  • Ask your team member to reflect on their career goals beforehand
  • Review their current role and strengths
  • Prepare a list of potential growth opportunities

Meeting Structure

Opening (5 minutes)

Set a positive, forward-looking tone:

“Today I’d like to focus specifically on your career development. This is an opportunity for us to discuss your professional growth and aspirations.”

Framing:

  • “The purpose of today’s discussion is to understand your career goals and how I can help you achieve them.”

Current State and Aspirations (10 minutes)

Understand their current position and future vision:

Key questions:

  • “What aspects of your current role do you find most energizing?”
  • “Where do you see yourself in 2-3 years?”
  • “What skills would you like to develop or strengthen?”
  • “What roles or positions interest you?”

Development Planning (10 minutes)

Create an actionable development plan:

Focus areas:

  • Identify 1-2 specific development goals
  • Discuss concrete actions and timelines
  • Define required resources and support
  • Consider immediate opportunities (projects, training, mentorship)

Closing and Next Steps (5 minutes)

Summarize and establish clear actions:

Wrap-up:

  • Confirm development goals
  • Agree on specific next steps
  • Schedule follow-up check-in
  • Document commitments from both sides

After the Meeting

  • Document the agreed-upon goals and actions
  • Share relevant resources
  • Schedule monthly progress check-ins
  • Look for opportunities to support their goals

Monthly Check-In Template

Keep follow-ups focused with this 30-minute structure:

Quick Progress Review (10 minutes)

  • Review actions taken
  • Discuss challenges
  • Celebrate wins

Adjustments and Support (15 minutes)

  • Update goals if needed
  • Identify new opportunities
  • Address blockers
  • Provide feedback

Next Steps (5 minutes)

  • Agree on next actions
  • Schedule next check-in

Additional Resources

Remember: Focus on quality over quantity. Make every minute count by staying focused on actionable outcomes and clear next steps.