Identifying behaviors to avoid

- There are a few things that can derail … a skip level meeting quickly. … Let's think about them for a moment so you can avoid them. … First, you are the executive, but don't act like one. … If the goal is to build rapport and get people to open up, … you have to be a good colleague, not the boss. … So don't interrupt. … Don't dismiss comments out of hand. … Don't speak over their heads. … Don't dwell on your accomplishments, … and don't try too heavily to control the flow … of the meeting. … The next one is simple but powerful. … No matter the issue at hand or how it has come to be, … do not engage in any blaming behavior. … Don't blame the situation on anyone. … The fastest way to look like a boss who's only looking out … for himself is to blame others for difficult situations. … Focus on moving forward, not the past. … It's also important that you don't make promises. … You're there to be open, build bridges, gather feedback, … and to share your views, … not to make overt promises. …