Hey Full Potential Zoners,
Your one-on-one meetings are either your greatest tool—or a weekly waste of time.
Most one-on-ones drag or go nowhere.
But when you prep right, they turn into your most useful meetings of the week.
Choose what you’ll offer (digital product, coaching, or lead magnet)
Have you ready to go live and start earning/gathering leads
Whether you’re a content creator, coach/consultant, side hustler, solopreneur, or just tired of your job—this is your starting or scaling point.
If that’s you, this call is the fastest way to start.
Use my sheet to stay on track, lead better, and make every 1-on-1 count.
Great teams don’t happen by accident.
They’re built one check-in at a time— done on purpose, with follow-through.
Today we are going to help leaders master this by using:
‘One-On-Ones That Work - Better Questions, Real Answers, No Wasted Time'.
Let’s dive in!
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Real-Life Scenarios That Make One-on-Ones Work
1. Your employee seems disengaged, but says they're “fine”
Scenario: You notice someone’s energy has dipped for weeks. Their 1-on-1s feel surface-level.
Say this (manager):
“I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter than usual. If your workload feels heavy or something’s off, I want to help figure it out together.”
Do this:
Skip status updates for one meeting.
Ask only two questions:
“How have your weeks felt lately?”
“What’s one thing that would make work feel lighter?”
Don’t fill the silence — let them think.
After the meeting, send a short follow-up: “Here’s what I heard. Did I get that right?”
Why this works: Disengagement hides in politeness. It takes space, safety, and signal-checking to surface the real stuff.
2. You’re behind on feedback and the quarter is halfway over
Scenario: You meant to give regular feedback… but it's already week 7.
Say this (manager):
“I dropped the ball checking in often. I’d love to get back on track. Can we do a reset today?”
Do this:
Open the 1-on-1 by saying you’ll do a 2-minute “look back” and 2-minute “look ahead.”
Share one thing you think they’ve done really well lately.
Ask: “What’s one area you think I haven’t given you enough support in?”
Let them answer — then agree on one fix you’ll try this week.
Why this works: Catching up matters more than perfection. Resetting the tone creates momentum — even late in the game.
3. You’re an employee with a manager who never prepares for 1-on-1s
Scenario: Your 1-on-1s feel random and rushed. You want more structure without sounding like you’re blaming them.
Say this (employee):
“Would it be helpful if I sent a quick outline before our meetings so we can focus faster?”
Do this:
Send a 3-bullet agenda the day before:
One blocker
One progress update
One decision you need help making
During the meeting, guide with simple prompts like:
“Here’s what I’m stuck on — I’d love your take.”
“Here’s a decision I’d like to make today.”
Why this works: You create structure without pointing fingers. That makes it easier for your manager to show up better, too.
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Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy — it steals your ideas, your time, and your focus.
But what if you could spot the signs earlier… and use that awareness to reset, protect your time, or even build something valuable?
Here are 3 fast ways to use The Burnout Map in your real life — starting today:
1. You keep working late, but still feel behind
Scenario: You’ve been staying late to “get caught up,” but the list keeps growing. You’re tired, distracted, and starting to lose track of what matters.
Stop working 15 minutes earlier than usual.
Write down one clear, specific task for tomorrow — just one.
Then walk away from the screen.
Your brain needs a clean ending. That small step gives you direction tomorrow — not more pressure tonight.
2. You’re snapping more easily — and don’t know why
Scenario: A teammate asks a simple question and you hear your tone shift. You feel irritated, even though they didn’t do anything wrong.
Step away for 3 minutes. Drink water. Breathe.
Ask: “What did I miss today — food, movement, rest, quiet?”
Most outbursts aren’t about the moment. They’re signs that your needs have been skipped all day.
3. You’ve been through burnout — now use what you learned
Scenario: You’ve taken the hard road. You know what burnout feels like, and you’ve picked up strategies that helped you recover — boundaries, resets, habits.
Go to creatyl.com and turn your burnout survival plan into a checklist, short guide, or template others can use.
You don’t need a polished brand to help someone.
You just need to share what actually worked — in your words, your way.
Want the deep dive and printable PDF? Click here
Here's how you can make it real today:
Step 1: Pick your moment
Think back to your last one-on-one — or a recent chat that felt rushed, unclear, or off-track.
Now choose one part of the graphic you want to focus on today.
This is your focus for the day.
Step 2: Set your cue
Pick one moment today where you’ll show up differently:
Before a team sync
During a check-in
After a tough message
While writing a follow-up
Preparing for your next 1-on-1
Write down:
“Use today’s move during this moment.”
Set a reminder if needed.
Step 3: Make one smart move
Take one small action tied to your focus. Try one of these:
Prep move: Send your agenda early. Add one question that matters.
In-the-moment move: Ask, “What’s something I can do better this week?”
Follow-up move: Send a 3-bullet recap (what, who, when).
Growth move: Ask, “What’s one habit I could try this month?”
Language move: Say, “Here’s what I’m seeing — how does that sound to you?”
Pick one. Keep it simple. Make it count.
Step 4: Watch what shifts
After the move, ask yourself:
Did it make the conversation easier?
Did it feel more real or more useful?
Did anything get clearer?
Make a quick note or say it out loud.
Step 5: Lock it in with one line
Before the day ends, finish this sentence:
“Today’s one-on-one move worked because: ____.”
or“Next time I want to connect better, I’ll try: ____.”
AI Prompt: “Act as a one-on-one session designer. Create a clear plan for my next one-on-one based on the following details:
Person’s Name: [Insert name]
Meeting Context: [Insert context, e.g., “Weekly check-in” or “Preparing for a project update”]
Main Focus for Today: [Insert one focus area chosen from the graphic, e.g., “Follow through” or “Use better language”]
Key Points to Cover:
One win to recognize
One blocker or challenge to address
One question to ask for deeper insight
Desired Outcome: [Insert goal, e.g., “Leave with clear next steps” or “Understand their biggest blocker”]
Provide:
A simple outline of the one-on-one, including a quick opening, main discussion points, and a closing summary.
At least three suggested questions or phrases I can use during the meeting to draw out real answers.
Tips for making the meeting feel focused, useful, and clear — even if time is short..”
The most useful meetings are the ones you plan with care.
Real progress comes from real questions, not quick updates.
It’s not about filling time — it’s about showing up on purpose.
Even one better question can change how someone feels at work.
You don’t need more time — you just need to use it better.
Until next time and with lots of love,
Justin
This Week’s Growth Recommendations
Book To Read:
“High Output Management” by Andrew S. Grove (see it here)
TED Talk to Watch:
“5 Steps to Fix Any Problem at Work" by Anne Morriss (see it here)
You don’t need more hours.
You need a clear next move.
With creatyl you can:
✅ Take what you already know
✅ Turn it into something someone can buy
✅ Follow step-by-step tools to launch fast
No guesswork.
No waiting for the “right moment.”
Just a real offer — built your way.
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