A skip-level meeting is a unique opportunity for employees to interact directly with a senior leader, skipping over their direct manager. These meetings help bridge communication gaps, provide insights into company strategy, and give leaders a clearer picture of team dynamics.
To make the most of a skip-level meeting, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Well-prepared questions can lead to valuable discussions, career growth opportunities, and a better understanding of company goals.
What Is a Skip-Level Meeting?
A skip-level meeting is when an employee meets with their manager’s boss without their direct supervisor present. These meetings are typically arranged to:
✔ Gain a higher-level perspective on company goals and strategy.
✔ Provide employees an opportunity to share feedback and concerns.
✔ Help senior leaders understand team morale and challenges.
✔ Build better connections between leadership and employees.
Preparing for a Skip-Level Meeting
Before attending a skip-level meeting, it’s important to:
✔ Clarify your goals – What do you want to achieve from the conversation?
✔ Prepare thoughtful questions – Focus on topics that add value to your role.
✔ Be honest but professional – Provide constructive feedback if needed.
✔ Listen actively – Use this opportunity to learn from leadership insights.
Now, let’s explore the most effective questions you can ask in a skip-level meeting.
Best Questions to Ask in a Skip-Level Meeting
1. Questions About Company Vision and Strategy
Understanding the company’s direction helps employees align their work with business objectives. Consider asking:
✔ What are the company’s top priorities for the next year?
✔ How do you see our team contributing to the company’s long-term success?
✔ What industry trends do you think will impact our business the most?
✔ What are the biggest challenges the company is currently facing?
These questions help employees understand how their role fits into the bigger picture.
2. Questions About Leadership and Decision-Making
Skip-level meetings provide a chance to learn about leadership perspectives. Ask questions such as:
✔ How do you approach major business decisions?
✔ What leadership qualities do you value the most in managers?
✔ What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
✔ How do you balance short-term goals with long-term company vision?
This insight can help employees develop their own leadership skills.
3. Questions About Team Performance and Growth
These questions help employees understand how their team is perceived by upper management:
✔ What are some strengths you’ve noticed about our team?
✔ Are there areas where you think we could improve?
✔ How does our team’s performance compare to other teams?
✔ What are some skills you think our team should develop?
Receiving feedback from senior leadership can help teams refine their work strategies.
4. Questions About Career Growth and Development
Skip-level meetings are an excellent time to discuss personal and professional development. Consider asking:
✔ What advice do you have for employees looking to advance in the company?
✔ How does leadership identify high-potential employees?
✔ What opportunities for growth and mentorship exist within the company?
✔ Are there specific skills you recommend employees develop for future leadership roles?
These questions show initiative and help employees plan their career paths effectively.
5. Questions About Workplace Culture and Engagement
Understanding workplace culture from a senior perspective helps employees feel more engaged. Good questions include:
✔ What values are most important to the company culture?
✔ How do you ensure employees stay motivated and engaged?
✔ What changes, if any, are being considered to improve workplace culture?
✔ How do you handle employee feedback and implement changes based on it?
This discussion can highlight ways to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.
6. Questions About Cross-Team Collaboration
For employees who work with multiple departments, these questions can provide clarity:
✔ How can our team collaborate more effectively with other departments?
✔ What are some challenges in cross-team communication that leadership has noticed?
✔ How does leadership encourage knowledge-sharing across different teams?
✔ What processes could be improved to enhance teamwork across the company?
Effective collaboration leads to better productivity and innovation.
7. Questions About Feedback and Improvement
Since a skip-level meeting is a rare opportunity, it’s helpful to ask for direct feedback:
✔ What’s one thing I can do to improve my performance?
✔ Are there any skills you think I should develop further?
✔ What qualities do you look for in high-performing employees?
✔ Is there anything I should be doing differently in my role?
Constructive feedback from a senior leader can provide valuable growth opportunities.
What Not to Ask in a Skip-Level Meeting
While it’s important to be open, avoid questions that could be perceived as negative or unprofessional, such as:
✖ Complaints about a direct manager – Skip-level meetings are not the place to vent about supervisors.
✖ Salary and promotion demands – Career growth discussions should be framed around skills and contributions.
✖ Gossip or office politics – Keep the conversation focused on constructive topics.
✖ Overly personal questions – Keep the discussion professional and work-related.
Final Tips for a Successful Skip-Level Meeting
✔ Be professional – Approach the meeting with respect and a positive attitude.
✔ Stay engaged – Listen actively and take notes if necessary.
✔ Follow up – If the leader gives advice or action items, follow through on them.
✔ Express gratitude – Thank the leader for their time and insights.
A well-prepared skip-level meeting can be a game-changer for career growth, workplace relationships, and understanding company strategy. By asking the right questions, employees can gain valuable insights while demonstrating their commitment to the organization’s success.