Say it like this
- I have a skip-level meeting with the director next week.
- The skip-level meeting went really well; I got great feedback.
- Our manager mentioned skip-level meetings are happening company-wide.
Use it at work
Scheduling
- Our VP set up skip-level meetings with the team.
- Can we book a skip-level meeting next month?
During
- What's working well on the team?
- What would you change if you could?
Afterward
- The skip-level meeting was really helpful.
- I shared feedback about on-call in the skip-level meeting.
Don't say this
Skip-level meetings are important company events; you should reschedule, not skip them.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| skip-level meeting | Meeting with your manager's manager | Employee and senior leader | Quarterly |
| one-on-one | Regular talk with your manager | Manager and report | Weekly |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. I just got an email from HR saying I have a _______ with the VP next month.
2. How would you tell a colleague about meeting a senior leader?
3. Which sentence uses skip-level meeting incorrectly?
4. Rewrite in tech English: 'I am meeting with my boss's boss next Tuesday to talk about my career and my work.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"I have a skip-level meeting with the director next week."
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More about skip-level meeting
Real examples(3)
- in a team standup
"Just a heads-up: I have a skip-level meeting with the VP tomorrow afternoon, so I might miss the end of standup."
- in a slack message
"I prepared some slides about our Q3 roadmap for my skip-level meeting with the engineering director."
- in a one-on-one with your manager
"My skip-level meeting was really valuable; the director gave me lots of insight into the company strategy."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with skipping a meeting. A skip-level meeting is intentional and includes your manager's manager or higher, not about avoiding meetings.
- ✕The skip-level meeting discussed my manager's performance.✓The skip-level meeting touched on some team dynamics and how I could grow.
Skip-level meetings focus on the employee and the team, not typically on evaluating the direct manager directly.
- ✕I asked my manager not to tell my skip-level meeting partner anything about me.✓My manager and my skip-level meeting partner coordinate to ensure consistent feedback.
Skip-level meetings are transparent; your manager and senior leader typically communicate about you.
Other forms(3)
- skip-level meeting noun
"I have a skip-level meeting scheduled for Friday."
- attend a skip-level meeting verb phrase
"She attended a skip-level meeting with the CTO."
- skip-level noun
"The skip-level is an important part of our leadership development process."
Often used with(4)
- schedule a skip-level meeting · used when HR or leadership arranges the meeting
- attend a skip-level meeting · used for participating in the meeting
- prepare for a skip-level meeting · used when getting ready by thinking about what to discuss
- skip-level meeting with the director/VP/CTO · specifies which level senior leader is involved
Similar words(2)
- upward skip meeting · Less common; same meaning but emphasizes direction up the hierarchy
- leadership touch base · More casual; similar intent but less formal structure
Opposites(2)
- direct report meeting
- peer meeting
Questions(5)
- What does skip-level meeting mean in tech companies?
- A skip-level meeting is a one-on-one meeting between an employee and someone two or more levels above them in management, typically their manager's manager or a senior leader. It bypasses the direct manager in the meeting itself but is usually coordinated with them. These meetings are normal practice in tech companies and are often used for career development, feedback, and relationship-building.
- Is a skip-level meeting a bad thing?
- No, skip-level meetings are not a bad sign. They are a standard management practice in most tech companies to ensure senior leaders have direct contact with employees, identify talent, and gather feedback about team dynamics. They should be seen as a positive opportunity for growth and visibility.
- How do I prepare for a skip-level meeting?
- Prepare by thinking about your current projects, accomplishments, challenges you are facing, and questions about career growth or company direction. You may want to prepare a few talking points or questions, but keep it conversational. Ask your direct manager if they have any context to share. Most skip-level meetings are informal and focus on getting to know you and understanding your perspective.
- Should I tell my manager about my skip-level meeting?
- Yes, your manager usually already knows about it since skip-level meetings are typically coordinated with HR and leadership. It is professional to mention when and with whom you are meeting. In most cases, your manager and the senior leader will coordinate before or after the meeting.
- What should I NOT do in a skip-level meeting?
- Avoid complaining only about your direct manager, being overly negative, or using the meeting as an end-run around normal processes. Do not assume confidentiality—most skip-level feedback is shared appropriately with your manager. Stay professional, honest, and constructive.
