How it works

From first 1:1 to great manager.

A step-by-step guide to using ManagerForge to transform your management workflow.

The 5 steps

Your journey with ManagerForge.

Five simple steps to better 1:1s and effortless reviews.

1

Add your team members

Start by adding the people you manage. Just their name and role. We'll help you set up their first 1:1.

  • Add individually or import from CSV
  • Set 1:1 cadence per person (weekly is recommended)
  • No employee login or access required. This is your tool.
2

Log your 1:1 conversations

After each 1:1, capture what was discussed. Record live with real-time transcription, upload a recording, or type your notes.

  • Record your meeting live with real-time transcription. The most accurate way to capture everything.
  • Upload a recording (MP3, WAV, M4A) for full transcription
  • Type or paste notes from your existing workflow

The Connect framework

Them, personallymin 1–10
Their workmin 11–20
Growthmin 21–30

ManagerForge organizes every 1:1 around the three phases of the Connect framework. The structure is built in. You don't have to remember it.

3

AI extracts key insights

ManagerForge analyzes your notes to identify action items, sentiment trends, goals discussed, and coaching opportunities.

  • Action items automatically extracted and tracked
  • Sentiment analysis to spot morale trends early
  • Development goals identified and monitored
  • Coaching suggestions based on conversation patterns
4

Track progress over time

See how your team members are growing. Track action items, monitor sentiment, and identify patterns across weeks and months.

  • Timeline view of all 1:1s and key moments
  • Action item completion tracking
  • Goal progress visualization
  • Search across all conversations
5

Generate performance reviews

When annual review season arrives, generate a comprehensive draft in seconds, backed by a full year of real conversations.

  • AI synthesizes months of 1:1 conversations into a structured draft
  • Highlights specific examples, achievements, and growth moments
  • Identifies development areas with supporting context
  • You edit and approve. It's your review, not the AI's.

Powerful features

Seamlessly integrated.

Everything you need to manage effectively, all in one place.

Audio transcription

Upload recordings of your 1:1s and get accurate transcripts in minutes. Great for remote meetings or walk-and-talks.

Rich text editor

Format your notes with headings, lists, and highlights. Everything is searchable later.

Goal tracking

Set development goals with your team and track progress automatically as you log 1:1s.

Export everything

Export your data in JSON, CSV, Markdown, or print to PDF. Your data, your way.

A typical quarter

See how it comes together.

From first 1:1 to review day, in real time.

Week 1

First 1:1 together

Log your first conversation. AI identifies 3 action items and 2 development goals Sarah mentioned (things you might have forgotten by Friday).

Weeks 2–20

Consistent weekly check-ins

Each week, you log your 1:1. ManagerForge tracks action item completion, spots a pattern (Sarah mentions autonomy 3 times), and suggests coaching approaches.

Month 4

Mid-year development check

Use the timeline to review Sarah's progress on her goals. Walk into the conversation already knowing what's working and what needs attention.

Month 6–12

Review season arrives

Click Generate Review. ManagerForge drafts a comprehensive review with specific examples from months of real conversations. You edit, add your voice, and share.

Review day

The conversation that lands

Your review focuses on growth, not recollection. Sarah feels genuinely seen because you referenced specific moments, not vague impressions from six months ago.

Frequently asked

Everything you need to know.

Ready to transform your 1:1s?

Join managers who are building better teams with ManagerForge.

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