Know the team through the first one-to-one

The purpose of the initial 1-2-1s is to gain insight into a teammate's perspective on their responsibilities and current assignments, as well as to clarify the manager's capacity to support the teammate. Also, discuss their opinion on wells, improvements, and challenges they face.

The first 1-to-1 meeting is full of expectations and unknowns. It is a good time to introduce yourself again with detailed explanations about your role's duties, responsibilities, plans, etc... Additionally, during the meeting, you can gain knowledge of the team's concerns, impediments and challenges. I find it most interesting to hear my colleague's opinion about the team's future plans from his point of view.

For example, some questions for the first meetings:

• What is the project you are currently working on?
• Also, can you share the most recent project the team completed that you were proud of?
• In your opinion, what is the primary responsibility of the team?
• How are your fellow team members doing?
• What do you find the most enjoyable about working here?
• And, what do you don't enjoy as much?
• What would you improve in the company/team/processes?
• What would you get rid of from your job?

Don't focus only on a team; remember to talk about your teammates too! I'll make some notes on this topic later.