Top 10 1:1 Coaching Questions for Underperformers
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 1:1 Coaching Questions for Underperformers
Direct Answer
The Best Overall 1:1 coaching questions pick for Underperformers is Underperformers Coaching Rubric, the move that most consistently shifts rep behavior and pipeline outcomes in one coaching session. The Best Value pick is The Gong Checklist, where managers get strong coaching impact without a heavy weekly time tax.
This list is built for sales managers, enablement leads, and RevOps partners who need ranked, practical coaching plays for Underperformers — with honest notes on lift, cadence, CRM tie-in, and what each technique fixes. Every item below is framed as a repeatable manager coaching move you can run in 2027 with real calls, real deals, and real forecast stakes.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each coaching technique against what managers actually optimize for in the field, using patterns from Gong, MEDDIC Academy, Winning by Design, Force Management, Challenger, and operator playbooks from Salesforce and HubSpot managers. The weighting:
- Behavior change — 30%
- Speed to run — 20%
- Deal/pipeline impact — 20%
- Repeatability — 15%
- CRM/call-data fit — 10%
- Manager skill required — 5%
A flashy framework that reps ignore after one session drops fast. A simple drill with a clear metric and a Gong clip climbs. The winners balance all six for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers.
1. Underperformers Coaching Rubric 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Low lift | Best for: The highest-leverage coaching move managers reach for first
Underperformers Coaching Rubric is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Underperformers Coaching Rubric in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Underperformers Coaching Rubric earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
2. The Gong Checklist 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Medium lift | Best for: Strong results without burning manager hours every week
The Gong Checklist is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run The Gong Checklist in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: The Gong Checklist earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
3. Feedback Checklist
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Manager-led | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
Feedback Checklist is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Feedback Checklist in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Feedback Checklist earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
4. Checklist: Cadence Review
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Rep-owned | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
Checklist: Cadence Review is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Checklist: Cadence Review in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Checklist: Cadence Review earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
5. Scorecard Coaching Checklist
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Low lift | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
Scorecard Coaching Checklist is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Scorecard Coaching Checklist in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Scorecard Coaching Checklist earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
6. Underperformers Ride-Along Checklist
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Medium lift | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
Underperformers Ride-Along Checklist is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1.
The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Underperformers Ride-Along Checklist in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Underperformers Ride-Along Checklist earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
7. The 1:1 Checklist
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Manager-led | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
The 1:1 Checklist is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run The 1:1 Checklist in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: The 1:1 Checklist earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
8. CRM Checklist
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Rep-owned | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
CRM Checklist is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run CRM Checklist in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: CRM Checklist earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
9. Checklist: Close Review
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Low lift | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
Checklist: Close Review is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Checklist: Close Review in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Checklist: Close Review earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
10. Multi-Thread Coaching Script
Type: Coaching script | Lift: Medium lift | Best for: A reliable pick for 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
Multi-Thread Coaching Script is a proven coaching script for coaching Underperformers on 1:1 coaching questions. Managers use it when they need a repeatable move — not a one-off pep talk — that changes behavior on the next call, the next deal review, or the next 1:1. The format is built for B2B sales teams running CRM-native coaching: you can run it in Gong, Salesforce, or a simple doc, but the rep should leave with one clear behavior change and one metric to watch.
Run Multi-Thread Coaching Script in a 15–30 minute block for most reps, or 45 minutes when you are coaching a deal or doing live call review. Open with the observed gap (pipeline, discovery, forecast, or call behavior), walk through the framework once, then have the rep practice or replay a real example from this week.
Close by agreeing on one leading indicator — calls logged, meetings booked, multi-thread proof, next-step dates, or MEDDIC fields updated — before the next coaching touch.
Pros:
- Repeatable coaching script that fits 1:1 coaching questions with underperformers
- CRM- and call-data-friendly — works with Gong, Chorus, or manual review
- Clear manager script so first-time managers do not wing the conversation
- Leading indicators tied to behavior, not vague motivation
Cons:
- Requires manager prep; do not run cold without a real example from the rep
- Over-coaching top performers on this can feel micromanaging — match frequency to need
Verdict: Multi-Thread Coaching Script earns its spot for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers — prep one real example, run the drill, and lock the next metric before you leave the session.
Which Coaching Move Should You Run?
What to Look For in Sales Coaching
- One behavior per session — Top coaching fails when managers fix ten things at once; pick one move for Underperformers.
- Real examples — Use the rep's call, opportunity, or forecast row; generic lectures do not stick.
- Leading indicators — Tie 1:1 coaching questions to metrics reps control this week: activity, discovery depth, next steps, or MEDDIC fields.
- CRM hygiene — If the coaching does not end in updated Salesforce or HubSpot fields, it probably did not happen.
- Cadence — Weekly 1:1 plus monthly deal coaching beats quarterly heroics for Underperformers.
- Documentation — Log the coaching note so RevOps and the next manager see the pattern.
What matters less than the hype: buying another training course before you run a consistent weekly cadence with The Gong Checklist-level simplicity.
FAQ
What is the best 1:1 coaching questions for Underperformers? Underperformers Coaching Rubric is our Best Overall — the highest-leverage coaching move for 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers.
What is the best value 1:1 coaching questions pick? The Gong Checklist is our Best Value — strong behavior change without the heaviest manager time commitment.
How often should managers coach Underperformers? Weekly 1:1 coaching plus targeted deal or call reviews on slipping metrics; increase frequency during ramp or end-of-quarter pushes.
Should coaching use Gong or conversation intelligence? Yes when available — clip the exact moment you are coaching, score it with a rubric, and assign one redo before the next session.
How do you measure coaching impact? Track leading indicators (calls, meetings, multi-thread proof, stage hygiene) for 2–4 weeks, then pipeline conversion and forecast accuracy.
Which move is best for a new sales manager? The Gong Checklist and Underperformers Ride-Along Checklist are manager-friendly with clear scripts and low prep overhead.
Bottom Line
For 1:1 coaching questions with Underperformers, Underperformers Coaching Rubric is our Best Overall coaching move. The Gong Checklist is our Best Value for managers protecting time while still changing behavior. Use the decision tree to route habit issues to Underperformers Coaching Rubric and time-boxed weeks to The Gong Checklist, then work through the rest of the list by scenario.
Prep one real example, run one drill, set one metric — that is how coaching actually sticks.
Sources
- Gong — revenue intelligence and coaching
- Salesforce — sales coaching resources
- HubSpot Sales — manager coaching guides
- MEDDIC Academy — qualification coaching
- Winning by Design — GTM coaching
- Force Management — Command of the Message
- Challenger Inc — commercial teaching
- Sandler Training — sales coaching
- Sales Hacker — manager playbooks
- LinkedIn Sales Solutions — coaching insights
*1:1 coaching questions for Underperformers — sales coaching drills, manager scripts, frameworks, and a review of the top coaching techniques.*