Learning Corner: Managing Up: The One-Page Alignment Check

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes

Objective:
To make sure you and your manager agree on your top priorities, how success will be measured and how you'll work together.

Materials Needed:

• A blank page

• A 30-minute meeting with your manager

Activity Steps:

1. Draft your view (10 minutes)
Write your top three priorities for the next 90 days, how you think success will be measured and one thing you need from your manager.

2. Ask for their view (5 minutes)
Before you share yours, ask your manager to name their top three priorities for you.

3. Compare and adjust (10 minutes)
Look for gaps. Talk through differences and agree on a final list.

4. Set a rhythm (5 minutes)
Agree on how often you'll check in and how they prefer updates: short notes, a weekly meeting or something else.

Key Takeaways:

• Many tensions with a manager come from different pictures of success.

• Asking for their view first shows respect and gets you better information.

• A shared page makes later conversations easier.

Reflection Prompt:

If your manager wrote down your top priority right now, would it match yours?

Want help bringing this to your team? Book a free 30-minute conversation with Tony.