Skip-level meetings: What are they and why you should consider doing them

Imagine you’re the captain of a ship. You’re steering the ship, but the only view you have is through a small window in your captain’s quarters. The crew below deck is working hard, navigating choppy waters, but you rarely see what they see. Now, imagine you could pop down below deck, chat with the crew, and get a firsthand account of what’s really going on and use that to inform your decisions. 

That’s in essence what skip-level meetings are. If done well, they can be super useful if you’re a senior leader, or someone who is ‘leading leaders’. They open up new perspectives, foster trust, and help you make better decisions.

What are skip-level meetings?

Skip-level meetings are regular, one-on-one (or small group) sessions where senior leaders meet directly with employees who aren’t their direct reports, but rather, report to their direct reports. Essentially, you’re “skipping” a level of management to connect with people further down the chain.

These meetings aren’t about bypassing or undermining your managers. Instead, they’re a strategic tool to gain insights, build relationships, and ensure alignment across all levels of your organisation.

And if a formalised approach to skip-level meetings isn’t your cup of tea, you can still take many of these approaches whenever you’re interacting with those at the front line informally. 

Why are skip-level meetings useful?

1. Fresh insights_^: Skip-level meetings offer a direct line to the frontlines. Employees who aren’t in regular contact with senior leaders often have unique perspectives on what’s working and what’s not. These insights can be invaluable in refining your strategies and identifying issues early on.
2. Breaking down siloes: By engaging with employees across different levels, you can break down organisational silos. It fosters a culture of openness and collaboration, where employees feel seen and heard, regardless of their position.
3. Building trust: When senior leaders make the effort to connect with frontline employees, it signals that everyone’s voice matters. This can build trust and loyalty, as employees feel valued and respected by the leadership team.
4. Spotting talent and issues: These meetings can be a goldmine for identifying rising stars in your organisation or spotting potential issues before they escalate.

But there are some traps to avoid. Here are a few…

1. Undermining middle managers: Skip-level meetings shouldn’t be seen as an opportunity to bypass or critique middle managers. Always communicate the purpose of these meetings clearly to both the managers and the people you’re meeting with. Have open conversations with your managers so that they can share with you any concerns they have about you meeting with their teams first - and then find a way together to reduce those concerns. It’s important that they know you trust them.
2. Overloading employees: Employees might feel anxious or overwhelmed if they’re suddenly in a one-on-one with a senior leader! Make it clear that the meeting is a conversation, not an interrogation. Be approachable, and set the tone for an open dialogue. Once again, communicating clearly the purpose of the meeting before you meet with them is key. 
3. Lack of follow-through: If you gather insights during these meetings but then fail to act on them, you risk losing credibility. Always follow up on the feedback you receive and communicate any actions you’re going to take as a result. Remember: involving and communicating directly with the managers of that team first is really important at this juncture. 
4. Inconsistency: If you hold skip-level meetings sporadically or only when there’s a crisis, they can feel disingenuous. Consistency is key to building trust and maintaining open lines of communication. You’re better to do these less often but consistently. Start with the least number of times for them to be effective. 

And finally, some tips for getting the most out of skip-level meetings:

1. Set clear objectives: Before diving into skip level meetings, know what you want to achieve. Whether it’s understanding challenges, gathering feedback, or simply getting to know the team better, having a clear purpose will help to guide the conversation.
2. Ask open-ended questions: These are always a useful tool in leadership. Encourage dialogue by asking questions like, “What’s one thing you think we could improve?” or “What’s been going well in your role lately?” These types of questions invite deeper insights and candid responses.
3. Listen more than you talk: Again, always a good idea when you’re a leader! The theme is about understanding and hearing from team members, so practice active listening. Take notes, acknowledge their points, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. Be careful not to promise anything at this stage - you’re there, first and foremost, to to listen and understand. See point 5 for what I mean here.
4. Respect confidentiality: Employees might share sensitive information during these meetings. Make it clear that their insights will be handled with care, and avoid sharing details that could compromise their trust. This can be a tricky one, so some scenario planning and thinking about what you will do in different situations is useful here.
5. Loop back with middle managers: After the meeting, touch base with the relevant middle managers. Share any non-sensitive insights that emerged and discuss how to capitalise on opportunities or address any issues. Co-create solutions. This reinforces that you’re all on the same team.
6. Follow up: If action is needed based on what you learned, follow through and let the employee know what steps have been taken. This shows that their input is valued and has real impact.

Skip-level meetings are a powerful tool in any senior leader’s arsenal. They offer a chance to connect with the heart of your organisation, gain valuable insights, and build a culture of trust and openness. By avoiding the pitfalls and approaching these meetings with clear intent, you can unlock their potential. 

So, next time you’re in your captain’s quarters, remember to pop down below deck. You might just discover the key to navigating smoother seas.