Product Leadership: How to Make the Most of your 1:1s

There’s a lot written about 1:1s. They’re one of the most effective tools we have to build trust, spot problems early and grow strong teams and people. I’ve found that the best 1:1s are less about status updates and more about listening, learning and supporting. How are they doing? Where are they stuck? What are they not saying?

As product leaders we often need to switch between across strategy, delivery, efficiency and the human factor. 1:1s help us to better understand how our teams and people are really doing and to derive insights and actions based on this understanding. That's s what makes them so impactful.

Here I share my favorite framework and questions for my 1:1s.

Use A Simple Framework: Listen, Learn, Lift

To keep 1:1s grounded but effective, I use a simple mental model:

1. Listen

This sounds obvious, but it's rare that somebody really listens to you. Make space. Open with questions like “What's on your mind today?” to signal that this time is theirs and to encourage them speaking.

What’s been energizing or draining lately?
Where are you feeling stuck?
What’s something you’re not sure how to bring up?

2. Learn

Use this time to understand what’s really going on. Here it's not about updates, but about learning and understanding how they work and what issues occur. Look for patterns:

Are they clear on priorities?
Are they feeling ownership or just execution?
Are there cross-team tensions or blockers they’re quietly absorbing?

These are the insights that often don’t surface in the usual meetings or reviews, but they shape and impact how the work gets done.

3. Lift

End with action. This doesn't have to be always in the form of advice. Sometimes it’s making a connection, offering support or help them to shift perspectives. Great 1:1s don’t just clarify problems; they shift energy. They help people feel seen, trusted and a little more confident in what comes next. Ask questions like:

“What would make this better?”
“If you were in my shoes, what would you try next?”

Tips to Improve Your 1:1 Practice

Use a shared doc and structure it accordingly. So both of you have time to put things before the 1:1 on the agenda and you keep your favorite questions to ask in mind. I currently use Leapsome to organize my 1:1s.
Use frameworks from time to time: Try “Start–Stop–Continue” or “Rainbows & Clouds” to bring some variety into your 1:1 sessions
Visual tools: For coaching moments, use visual flow charts like challenge vs. skill or the zone of genius to check stress and growth
Ask reflective, open questions:
- “What’s challenged you since we last talked?”
- “What’s one thing you’d like to start/stop/continue?”
Active listening: Practice and try to improve your active listening skills. That's not always easy for a manager, but it's absolutely worth it.

My Favorite 1:1 Questions

Here's a hopefully useful list of 1:1 questions to ask, following the Listen-Learn-Lift approach.

Listen Questions:

What’s on your mind this week?
How have you been feeling about work lately?
What’s been energizing or draining you?
What do you want to make sure we talk about today?

Learn Questions:

What’s going well in your current projects?
Any blockers or frustrations lately?
Do you feel clear on what’s expected of you?
What skills are you trying to build right now?
Are you feeling challenged in the right ways?
What kind of work gives you energy?

Learn Questions:

What’s one thing we should follow up on next time?
What’s one way I can support you this week?
Is there anything I can take off your plate?
Is there someone I can connect you with?

Final Thoughts

1:1s are your most human leadership tool. With a simple framework, active listening, and consistent structure, they become moments of clarity, connection and can create real impact. You just need to recognize their potential and use it.