Win Your 1:1's like a Career Vigilante


The Vigilante's Edge

Career Builder, Edition #015

Hey Reader,

Most people walk into their 1:1s like it’s a dentist appointment.

Sit there, wait for the pain to be over, nod a few times, and leave.

But the Career Vigilantes? We don’t waste time. We make these meetings work for us.

Here’s how you take control of your 1:1s and turn them into career accelerators:

1. It’s YOUR meeting—act like it.

Your boss didn’t schedule this just for fun. This is your chance to make sure they know what you’re working on, where you’re winning, and where you need them to step up. If you let them ramble, that’s on you.

2. Start like a human (not a robot).

Yes, work is important. But so is being a person. Ask your boss how they’re doing. Leadership can be lonely, not many people ask. Show some personality. People help people they like, and if you want that next promotion, being likable matters.

3. Come prepared—don’t wing it.

Have a running doc of what you want to cover. Key updates, blockers, big wins. If you show up empty-handed, you’re basically telling them your job is easy (spoiler: it’s not).

4. Drive the conversation.

Don’t wait for your boss to ask, “So, what’s up?” Take charge. Walk them through priorities, tell them what’s next, and highlight where you need support. Leaders love people who make their lives easier.

5. Make sure they’re doing their job too.

Managers love to “circle back” and “keep an eye on things.” Translation: they got busy and forgot. Hold them accountable. If they promised something last time, ask about it. You don’t work hard just to get ghosted.

6. Ask for what you need.

Want more resources? More visibility? That next step in your career? Use this time to plant the seed. If you never ask, they’ll assume you’re fine staying put.

7. Wrap up with clear next steps.

Before you leave, confirm action items—for both of you. If your boss agreed to push something forward, send a quick recap email. Polite? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.

8. Make it count.

If you treat your 1:1 like another meeting on the calendar, that’s all it’ll ever be. If you treat it like a tool to grow, get ahead, and make your boss your biggest advocate—well, that’s how you win the long game.

Own your 1:1s, own your career.

Stay vigilant,

P.S. Ever had a 1:1 disaster? Spill the tea—reply and tell me.

P.P.S. Know somebody who is trying to take more ownership of their career? Press 'forward' on this email and encourage them to sign up to become a Career Vigilante here.

Together, we can create an even stronger community of Career Vigilantes!


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Done right, it benefits everyone. Done poorly, it creates confusion, frustration, and inefficiency.

Career Guide

This guide outlines 4 practical, actionable, and easy-to-implement strategies that will magnify your impact, expand your influence, and make you more money.


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