Use the questions below to guide early 1:1 conversations with new team members. These questions have been designed to help you better understand their backgrounds, current roles, aspirations, and how you can best support them.

It will be hard to get all of these answers in a single conversation (without making the person feel like they are being grilled). Better to establish good rapport early on and find out the other answers in follow-up conversations.

Background and Experience

1. Can you tell me about your career and what brought you here?

2. What elements of your previous experiences have served you best in your current role?

Current Role and Responsibilities

1. How would you describe your main responsibilities in your current role?

2. What parts of your job give you the most energy?

3. Are there any elements of your role that drain your energy?

4. Are there any additional resources or support that you need to be more effective?

Skills and Strengths

1. What do you consider to be your top professional strengths?

2. Are there any skills you're currently working on developing? How can I support you in this?

Career Aspirations

1. Where do you see your career heading in the next 3 years?

2. Are there any specific areas of the business or types of projects you'd like to be more involved with?

Team Dynamics and Collaboration

1. How would you describe the current team dynamics?

2. Are there any challenges you've noticed in how the team works together?

3. Do you have any suggestions for improving team collaboration or communication?

Support and Growth

1. What type of management style do you respond to best?

2. How can I best support you in your role and professional development?

3. Are there any immediate concerns or questions you'd like to address?

Feedback and Communication

1. How do you prefer to receive feedback?

2. What's the best way to communicate with you (e.g., email, chat, in-person)?

Closing

1. Is there anything else you'd like me to know that we haven't covered?

Remember, this questionnaire is a guide. Feel free to adapt the conversation based on each team member's responses and comfort level. The goal is to build trust and understanding, setting the foundation for a strong working relationship.