Manager Relationship Discussion Guide

Manager Relationship

Purpose:
Create an open dialogue about support, communication, coaching and working relationships between team members and managers so everyone can work better together and grow.

Sample Discussion Questions:

Effectiveness

• What’s something a great leader did in your past that helped you grow?

• When do you feel most supported to do your best work?

• Are there ways I could be more clear, responsive, or consistent?

• How can I improve how I follow through on your feedback?
  
  

Support

• What helps you feel seen, heard, or encouraged in your role?

• How can I make it easier for you to share concerns or push back when needed?

• Are there blockers I could help remove more proactively?

• What’s one way I could better support your well-being or success?
  
  

Coaching

• How helpful are our development conversations? What would make them better?

• Where could I build in more regular or informal coaching moments?

• What kind of feedback feels most helpful or motivating to you?

• How can I better support your growth, both short- and long-term?
  
  

Workflow

• Are our priorities and expectations clear across the team?

• Where do you see imbalance in workload, timelines, or responsibilities?

• How can I improve how work is delegated, communicated, or adjusted?

• What would help us manage shifting priorities with less stress?

1, 2, 3 Action Planning

1. What’s one small change I could make, or we could make together, to strengthen how I support the team?

2. What two commitments can we make to achieve this?

3. What three dates should we plan to follow up?