What a skip-level meeting is and how to run one

Executive overview

A skip-level meeting is when a senior leader (e.g. COO) bypasses a direct report (e.g. VP of Marketing) to meet with that person's team. The goal is to gather unfiltered insights or share ideas without the intermediate leader present.

The key rule: engage to listen, not to decide — no direct discussions, no decisions.

How to run a skip-level meeting

  • Senior leader meets directly with the team one level below a direct report
  • Ask open questions: gather opinions and ideas, not commitments
  • Respond neutrally ("that's interesting", "thank you") — do not debate or direct
  • No decisions should come out of the meeting

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