TeamGrow Manager Toolkit
Essential frameworks for the 5 conversations every manager must master.
1. The 1:1 Master Agenda
Pre-Meeting Checklist
- Review notes from last week's session
- Check status of key projects (don't use the meeting for this!)
- Prepare one specific piece of positive feedback
The "Growth Trio" Questions
Rotate these every week to keep the focus on development, not just updates.
1. The Unblocker (Execution)
"If you had a magic wand, what one obstacle would you remove this week?"
2. The Energy Check (Motivation)
"On a scale of 1-10, how energized do you feel about your current project? Why?"
3. The Growth Path (Development)
"What one skill are you working on right now that I can support?"
Action Tracking
- Agreed Next Steps: ___________________________
- Owner: ___________________________
- Due Date: ___________________________
2. Performance Conversation Script
The "SBI" Framework
Use this structure to deliver feedback that lands without defensiveness.
Situation (Fact-based)
"In yesterday's client meeting..." (Be specific about time/place)
Behavior (Observable action)
"...you interrupted the client three times while they were explaining their problem."
Impact (The consequence)
"The impact was that the client felt unheard and closed off, which puts the renewal at
risk."
The Turn
"I'm sharing this because I know you care about the relationship. What was your perspective
on that moment?"
3. The Delegation Checklist
Before You Hand Off
- Is the desired outcome clearly defined? (What does "done" look like?)
- Does this person have the resources/access to do it?
- Is the deadline specific? (Date AND Time)
- Have you defined the "check-in" points?
The Handoff Scale
- Level 1: Do exactly what I say. (for new tasks/juniors)
- Level 2: Research and recommend. (I decide)
- Level 3: Decide and inform me. (I can intervene)
- Level 4: Decide and just do it. (I trust you completely)
Always specify which level of delegation this is.
4. Difficult Conversation Prep
The 4-Box Prep Grid
1. The Facts
What actually happened? (Strip away emotion/interpretation)
2. Their Perspective
What is the most generous interpretation of their behavior?
3. My Contribution
How might I have contributed to this issue? (Unclear expectations, delayed feedback?)
4. The Goal
What do I want the relationship to look like after this conversation?