Define a process

- Like most successful events, … a productive skip level meeting … will benefit from a good framework to guide the process. … To you it might feel just like another meeting, … but to the junior employees with whom you're meeting, … it's a pretty special event … and could be stressful given your elevated status. … So solid preparation is the key to a great conversation. … Step one is to approach your direct report, … the person who is the boss of the employees … with whom you wish to meet. … Because what you're suggesting runs counter … to the traditional idea of the chain of command, … be prepared to offer an honest explanation. … Name the issue or main reason you want the meeting … and the basic agenda. … Remind them that employees often censor around their boss … and sometimes open up a bit more … with people outside the team. … As long as you two have a good relationship … and skip level meetings are infrequent, … this shouldn't be a problem. … Next is to clarify exactly who will attend, …