Flow-First 1:1 Kick-Off Template | CHughes Consultancy

1. The Manager’s Strategy: System Preparation

Before the meeting, get clear on the system you are bringing them into.

The Core Outcome: What is the single most important needle they must move in 90 days?
Deep Work Safeguards: Which calendar blocks are non-negotiable for their flow?
The Dependency Map: Who are the 3 people they must align with to avoid bottlenecks?
Flow Metric: How will we measure progress (e.g., Cycle Time, Lead Time, or Quality)?

2. Setting the Tone: The "Slow to Flow" Opening

"I’m excited to have you here. My goal is to ensure you have the clarity and space to do your best work. I want to minimize the 'coordination tax' - the unnecessary meetings and friction that slow us down - so we can focus on progress. Today, we’re co-creating how we work to protect your capacity."

3. The 5-P Framework for Flow

Area	Purpose	Example Prompts
Priorities	Eliminate Busy Work	"What is the one thing I need you to nail in your first 2 days? Everything else is secondary."
People	Manage Dependencies	"Who are the key people you need to build a relationship with to avoid being blocked later?"
Processes	Reduce Admin Tax	"How do we handle updates and decisions so we don't need a meeting for every small change?"
Preferences	Protect Flow State	"When is your most productive time? How can I protect that block from interruptions?"
Progress	Measure Outcomes	"What does 'winning' look like in your first 90 days from my perspective? What about yours?"

4. Agreement: Co-Creating Our "Flow Norms"

Communication Preferences:
The Feedback Loop (Rhythm):
Meeting Hygiene (Optional vs Mandatory):
Next 2-Day Focus:

5. The 30-60-90 Flow Roadmap

30 Days (Observe & Align): Build relationships, identify system bottlenecks, and clarify priorities.
60 Days (Contribute & Stabilise): Deliver small wins and take ownership of critical processes.
90 Days (Optimise & Flow): Suggest improvements to the system and drive high-impact results.

Flow-First Kick-Off

1. The Manager’s Strategy: System Preparation

2. Setting the Tone: The "Slow to Flow" Opening

3. The 5-P Framework for Flow

4. Agreement: Co-Creating Our "Flow Norms"

5. The 30-60-90 Flow Roadmap