But, before we get to any of that, let\u2019s start by defining a skip-level meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Skip-level](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Skip-level-meeting-cover.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- A skip-level meeting is a meeting between a higher-up and an employee (or a group of employees) without the presence of their direct manager.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- These meetings expand the attendees\u2019 understanding of the organization, provide opportunities to influence the company\u2019s activities, and build relationships between employees and higher-ups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can prepare for a skip-level meeting by checking the agenda, anticipating any questions you might be asked, and preparing your own inquiries ahead of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Even though skip-level meetings can encourage transparent communication and make employees feel valued, they can sometimes lead to miscommunication, mismanaged expectations, and perceptions of favoritism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a skip-level meeting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A skip-level meeting is a meeting between a higher-up and an employee (or a group of employees) without the presence of their direct manager.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, we should note that this adjective isn\u2019t exclusively used to describe a type of meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather, the term \u201cskip-level\u201d is an indicator of the hierarchical \u201cdistance\u201d between an employee and a higher-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, anyone who sits above your manager on the company ladder can be referred to as your skip-level manager or boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, vice versa, any conversation you might have with an employee who is being managed by someone who reports directly to you could be deemed a skip-level conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a similar note, \u201cskip-level\u201d can be used to describe a type of leadership<\/a>, as evidenced by a study on the importance of skip-level management<\/a>, Speaking Up to Higher-Ups: \u200b\u200bHow Supervisors and Skip-Level Leaders Influence Employee Voice<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The paper in question noted how skip-level leadership can alleviate the potential consequences that may occur when employees feel reluctant to report irregularities to their supervisors due to the supervisors\u2019 carelessness or active suppression of dissenting voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, of course, that is only one of the potential goals of skip-level meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To discover more, let\u2019s look into the purpose of having skip-level conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Free team communication app<\/span>\nImprove collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nWhat is the purpose of a skip-level meeting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most experts believe that the purpose of skip-level meetings is to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Expand the attendees\u2019 understanding of a company\u2019s current activities and future plans,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide opportunities to influence those aspects of the organization, and even<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Build relationships between employees and higher-ups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To learn more, we spoke with Robert Choi<\/a>, founder of The Gov Coach and author of The Art of Public Service<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drawing on his experience working as the Deputy Chief of HR at New York\u2019s Metropolitan Transit Authority and, previously, the Central Intelligence Agency, Choi explained that skip-level meetings allow employees to circumvent traditional hierarchical communication<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/robert-choi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSkip-level meetings [are] vital tools for fostering transparency and innovation within an organization. They provide a unique platform where employees can share unfiltered insights, ideas, and concerns that might otherwise remain unheard in the traditional hierarchical communication structure. These meetings are not just for addressing issues; they’re also opportunities for senior leaders like myself to connect with the workforce at different levels, gaining a deeper understanding of the organizational culture and employee morale.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nChoi also noted that these kinds of meetings are particularly important in the public sector, though his reasoning could just as easily be applied to other industries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201c[Skip-level meetings] are essential for bridging the gap between various levels of the organization, fostering a sense of inclusivity and openness.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What to expect in a skip-level meeting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, getting invited to a skip-level meeting is enough to tell you that your manager won\u2019t be present \u2014 and not much else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, is there such a thing as a standard skip-level meeting agenda?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, according to Elena Sarango-Muniz<\/a> of Sarango Executive Coaching, an HR and leadership consultant with over 25 years of experience in delivering leadership coaching workshops in global corporate settings, skip-level meetings are usually prompted by a specific need<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Elena](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Elena-Sarango-Muniz.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201c[Skip-level] meetings are usually unstructured and not regularly scheduled, although good leaders would have this as part of their set communication strategy. They are mostly prompted by a need:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Manager not performing, <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Engagement in the department is low, or <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The leader requesting it is new to the organization and wants to meet the team, get their feedback on what he\/she should focus on.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSo, without knowing the meeting agenda, we won\u2019t be able to help you adjust your expectations ahead of your skip-level meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some skip-level meetings may not require anything of you and may, in fact, just be informative or educational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you\u2019re called upon to share skip-level feedback, that may require more preparation on your end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that being said, let\u2019s talk about how to prepare for a skip-level meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Collaborate in real time<\/span>\nDiscuss, share & collaborate with Pumble, a business communication app.<\/p>\n\n
\n See features<\/a>\n\n Sign up<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n8 tips to prepare for a skip-level meeting as an employee <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As we have established, the process of preparing for a skip-level meeting usually depends on its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even so, the following tips should be useful in most cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Check the agenda (or make one),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Research the person you\u2019re meeting,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask your coworkers what you can expect,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prepare a list of things you enjoy about working at the company,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Identify the difficulties you\u2019re having at work,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consider some improvements the company could make,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Compile a list of your achievements and consider your goals, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Come up with your own questions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Now, let\u2019s see how these tips can help you have a successful skip-level meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: Check the agenda (or make one)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When preparing for any kind of meeting, it\u2019s best to start by checking the agenda that came with the invite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Elena Sarango-Muniz noted, these meetings are usually prompted by a need, so the skip-level meeting\u2019s purpose may even be outlined in the subject line of the meeting request email you\u2019ve received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the agenda isn\u2019t clear, you can always ask the sender to elaborate via email or through a direct message<\/a> on the company\u2019s internal communication software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the image below, we can see what that message might look like on Pumble<\/a>, the business messaging app by CAKE.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Jim](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Jim-asks-Milo-to-provide-a-skip-level-meeting-agenda-min.png\")
Jim asks Milo to provide a skip-level meeting agenda on Pumble, the team communication app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Conversely, if you\u2019re the one requesting the meeting in question, you should take care to explain the purpose of the meeting to your invitee before scheduling the appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do that, you could either mention the reason you\u2019re requesting the meeting in the text of your message or email or attach a virtual meeting agenda<\/a> to your communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share your meeting agenda easy and simple in Pumble <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #2: Research the person you\u2019re meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve never had a chance to attend a skip-level meeting before, this could be the first time you\u2019ll ever interact with the higher-up you\u2019ll be meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As such, it\u2019s natural to feel some level of trepidation due to your lack of knowledge and familiarity with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To alleviate those concerns, Nikki Jain<\/a>, a public relations professional who\u2019s worked with over 25 PR agencies and 150 clients across the US, UK, and Australia, recommends doing your homework ahead of time<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Nikki](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikki-jain.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cUnderstand what the higher-up cares about and how your points tie into the bigger picture.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn other words, you might want to do some recon by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Looking into the skip-level manager\u2019s position at the company to find out what they do,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Checking out their LinkedIn profile for more information on their career path and insight into their personality, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Asking around the company to pinpoint their leadership style and get a better understanding of how they tend to communicate<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Doing this should help you understand how to position yourself at the upcoming meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #3: Ask your coworkers what to expect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your coworkers can be a valuable resource to you as you prepare for your skip-level meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to sharing their insights regarding the person you\u2019ll be meeting, they\u2019ll also be able to tell you more about what you can expect to happen at the meeting in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, even if you\u2019ve never had a skip-level meeting before, chances are, someone on your team has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how you can ask for their advice over the company\u2019s employee communication app<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Jim](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Jim-consults-a-coworker-ahead-of-his-meeting-with-Milo-min.png\")
Jim consults a coworker ahead of his meeting with Milo on Pumble, the team communication app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n\n Communication made easy<\/span>\nA communication app for teams of all kinds. Discuss, share, and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n
\n Solutions<\/a>\n\n Register<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nTip #4: Prepare a list of things you enjoy about working at the company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you find that the skip-level meeting you\u2019ve been invited to is about sharing your feedback with the company, there are several things you might want to consider before the appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, it\u2019s best to start with the positives<\/strong>, as Nikki Jain pointed out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cBe real, but stay positive. Focus on solutions, not just problems.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSharing the things you like about your position or the company at large will show your skip-level manager that your intention is to share constructive feedback<\/a> when you reach that point in the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, starting on a positive note should allow you to build rapport with the higher-ups<\/strong> you\u2019re meeting, which is one of the main benefits of these kinds of meetings, as we\u2019ll discuss later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #5: Identify the difficulties you\u2019re having at work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After going through the high points of your work, it should be okay to share some of the difficulties you might be having.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re struggling to get your work done, whether it\u2019s due to difficult coworkers<\/a>, communication barriers<\/a>, or a lack of resources, there are ways to say that without antagonizing anyone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever you do, you should strive to maintain respectful communication<\/a>, as Robert Choi told us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProfessionalism and respect are paramount, especially when discussing sensitive issues.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHowever, Choi went on to note that you should still be as specific as possible<\/strong> when sharing that skip-level feedback:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cReflecting on specific situations and preparing examples helps in making the conversation more concrete and actionable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Tip #6: Consider improvements the company could make<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As we have pointed out, it\u2019s important to make sure your intentions are clear<\/strong> when sharing your feedback with your skip-level manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why you should lead with the positive aspects of your work, before noting any roadblocks you may be encountering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, don\u2019t just leave it at that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your higher-ups will no doubt appreciate any suggestions you might have that could make you more productive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If nothing else, coming up with potential solutions for the problems you\u2019re having will let your skip-level manager know that you\u2019re invested in the company\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that in mind, spend some time contemplating how you would solve the issues you\u2019re having at work if you were the boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You could even make a note of those ideas by sending yourself a message on Pumble by CAKE.com, a team communication app<\/a>, as shown in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Jim](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Jim-drafts-and-edits-his-talking-points-min.png\")
Jim drafts and edits his talking points on Pumble, the business messaging app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Never miss a reminder in Pumble, the business communication app <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #7: Compile a list of your achievements and consider your goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If the skip-level meeting you\u2019ve been invited to turns out to be your employee evaluation, you may be asked some questions about your performance as well as your future career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that in mind, you might want to think about your professional aspirations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To spare yourself the trouble of having to remember all your previous achievements, you should keep track of all the work you\u2019ve done<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While you do that, be sure to note the value your input has contributed to each project<\/strong> you\u2019ve been involved in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having a record of your achievements will make it easier to extract those highlight reel-worthy moments \u2014 especially if you\u2019re preparing to ask for a promotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, in any case, anticipating some of the questions you may be asked<\/strong> is sure to leave a great impression, as Robert Choi told us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAnticipating potential questions and preparing thoughtful responses is key to making the most of these meetings.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Tip #8: Come up with your own questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, skip-level meetings are a great opportunity to ask your boss\u2019s boss any questions you might have about the company or your place in it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If no questions are coming to mind, you might find some inspiration by thinking about the following questions posed by Robert Choi:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n- \n
- \u201cHow does my role and work align with and support the overall strategic objectives of the organization?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are the significant challenges and opportunities I perceive from my position?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How can I further develop my career and skills within this organization?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What constructive feedback can I provide to enhance my role and the broader workplace environment?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThese questions might help you come up with some follow-ups you could ask your skip-level manager about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, you could always ask your team members what they\u2019d like to know<\/strong> and pass the questions along at the appropriate time during the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or, if you still can\u2019t come up with anything, you can get inspired by our list of questions to ask a skip-level manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Empower team communication<\/span>\nDiscuss, share & collaborate with Pumble, a team communication app.<\/p>\n\n
\n Explore<\/a>\n\n Sign up<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nWhat to ask in a skip-level meeting as an employee?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Like any work-related appointment, skip-level meetings usually have several moments that allow employees to ask their questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To start with, you could break the ice<\/strong><\/a> with casual inquiries<\/strong> such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cWhat have you been up to? Any new hobbies?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u201cI\u2019m about to head down to lunch, I have a pair of tacos with my name on them. Have you tried the cafeteria tacos before?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n
- What are the significant challenges and opportunities I perceive from my position?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cHow does my role and work align with and support the overall strategic objectives of the organization?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Engagement in the department is low, or <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manager not performing, <\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n