What Is Skip Level Meeting Preparation?

Understand the Meeting’s Purpose

Skip-level meetings are unique opportunities for employees to interact directly with higher-level management. Preparation starts with understanding the goals of the meeting. Are senior managers gathering input on team challenges, strategizing for upcoming projects, or gaining insight into your day-to-day work?

Gather Data on Your Projects

Identify key metrics and milestones that reflect your team’s performance. Quantifiable data, like project timelines, customer feedback, and cost savings, gives senior leadership concrete insights into your team’s impact and progress.

Prepare Key Discussion Points

Craft a list of important discussion points. Highlight the team’s current achievements, significant challenges, and any ideas that could improve workflows. Being well-prepared helps you stay focused and ensures the conversation covers essential topics.

Create Thoughtful Questions

Skip-level meetings are also a chance for you to gain a broader perspective on the company’s direction. Ask questions that reflect an interest in understanding the leadership’s vision. Consider inquiries like “How can we better align with the company’s strategic goals?” or “Are there new initiatives we should prepare for?”

Practice Clear Communication

Rehearse your talking points so that you can deliver them concisely and clearly. This will help you remain confident and articulate your message effectively. Practicing your points with a trusted colleague can give you helpful feedback on your delivery.

Align Goals and Development Plans

Reflect on your career goals and the skills you’d like to develop. This is an opportunity to align your ambitions with company goals and ask for feedback on advancing within the organization.

Follow Up on Takeaways

After the meeting, compile the insights and feedback provided. Create an action plan that addresses challenges and leverages new strategies discussed. Following up shows commitment and reinforces your readiness to contribute positively.

For more on skip level meeting preparation, check out this detailed guide with helpful strategies.

Seek Feedback from Managers

Get feedback from your direct manager on potential discussion points and questions to help refine your approach. They can provide valuable insights into what senior leadership might expect and help you fine-tune your talking points accordingly.