Effective 121s are essential to create strong teams, which is why we emphasise using a 121 template to structure them.

Every individual needs purpose, support, and clear direction to perform at their best. Without structured and consistent 121s, employees can feel undervalued, disengaged, or unclear about expectations.

A strong 121 template can provide the guidance and consistency necessary to help everyone reach their potential.

But without a 121 structure, or with irregular and unstructured 121s, nobody can perform to their fullest potential.

Why 121s matter

As a leader, regular 121s are your opportunity to:

• Align employees with business goals and values.
• Actively listen and involve your people to keep them motivated.
• Build trust by supporting individual needs.
• Focus on developing your team, not just tracking tasks.

How to run great 121s

To make the most of your 121s:

• Use a 121 template to ensure every discussion is productive and focused.
• Never cancel a 121—this signals to your team that their development isn’t a priority.
• Ensure employees complete their part of the template beforehand to reflect on their achievements and challenges.

My 121 template (below) might look heavy going. But the detail is crucial for a successful meeting.

A well-structured 121 template helps your people feel empowered, heard, and supported. It includes sections for:

• Highlighting personal achievements.
• Addressing frustrations or roadblocks.
• Sharing ideas for team or business improvements.
• Requesting direct support from leadership.

But there are some important things to remember:

• Run them regularly, at least once a month
• Never, ever cancel a 121 – what does it say to that person?
• Get your people to complete their part of the form before the meeting

Download my template by clicking on the image below.

The power of prioritising 121s

When 121s are done well, they drive engagement, accountability, and free you to focus on long-term strategic goals. That’s why structured 121s are a fundamental part of all my leadership training sessions.

With the right 121 template, you’ll build better relationships, support your team’s growth, and achieve greater results.

You might also find my Team Huddle template useful – I shared it as part of my Working From Home webinar. Watch the full recording of this session on the replay page.