Skip-level meetings can feel intimidating. You’re sitting down with your manager’s manager—someone who has visibility into bigger decisions, broader strategy, and often, your long-term trajectory.
But when used well, skip-levels are one of the most underutilized tools for early-career growth.
The key isn’t just getting the meeting. It’s knowing how to approach it with intention.
What a Skip-Level Meeting Is (and Isn’t)
A skip-level meeting is not a performance review. It’s not a place to complain about your manager or escalate problems.
Instead, think of it as:
- A chance to understand the bigger picture
- A way to build visibility beyond your immediate team
- An opportunity to align your work with higher-level priorities
When you approach it this way, you come across as thoughtful—not political.
How to Request a Skip-Level (Without Making It Awkward)
Most people hesitate here, but the ask can be simple and professional.
You might say:
- “I’d love to better understand team priorities at a broader level—would you be open to a quick 20-minute chat sometime?”
- “I’m trying to be more intentional about my growth and would really value your perspective.”
A few pointers:
- Keep it low-pressure (short, specific ask)
- Frame it around learning, not access
In many companies, skip-levels are encouraged; however, I would encourage you to loop in your manager if appropriate to maintain transparency (some managers may be more touchy about this than others so you will have to decide this for yourself).
How to Prepare — This is Crucial!
Walking in without a plan turns a great opportunity into small talk.
Before the meeting, think about:
- What does this person care about?
- What decisions do they influence?
- Where does your work intersect with their priorities?
Come in with 2–3 thoughtful questions. That’s enough.
Examples:
- “What differentiates people who grow quickly on this team?”
- “Where do you see the team heading in the next 6–12 months?”
- “Are there gaps you think early-career team members often overlook?”
How to Use the Meeting Effectively
During the conversation:
- Zoom out-do not focus on your tasks alone but rather, the bigger picture
- Signal ownership—talk about your work in terms of impact; how did it impact your team, client satisfaction, efficiency, etc?
- Listen more than you talk: the value is in their perspective and hearing what their vision is to get an idea of where you fit in
- Avoid complaints—even if something is frustrating, frame it constructively:
- Instead of: “Communication has been unclear”
- Try: “I’m looking for ways to better align with expectations—any advice?”
What to Do After
Most people stop at the meeting. You need to maintain your connection and turn your one-time meeting into a lasting impression.
- Follow up with a short thank-you note
- Apply at least one piece of advice they gave
- Reference it later (e.g., “I took your advice on X and it’s helped with Y”)
The Bottom Line
Skip-level meetings are about expanding your perspective.
When done right, they help you:
- Understand how decisions are made
- Build visibility with leadership
- Position yourself for future opportunities
TLDR: Growth doesn’t just come from doing your job well. It comes from understanding how your work fits into something bigger—and making sure the right people can see it. Skip level meetings are one way to do this.
