What to Include in a Skip Level Meeting Agenda?

Review Team Achievements and Challenges

Start the skip level meeting by highlighting the team’s recent achievements and acknowledging key challenges. Provide specific data to support your observations, like project timelines, budget adherence, or customer feedback scores. This offers senior leaders a clear view of progress and roadblocks.

Align with Strategic Objectives

Discuss how the team’s current goals and projects align with the company’s strategic objectives. Are there specific initiatives that need extra focus or alignment adjustments that will better support organizational priorities? This conversation helps leadership see where the team can contribute more effectively.

Address Support and Resource Needs

Ask the senior leader for assistance with resource allocation or technical support if the team is facing barriers. Perhaps additional training or budget adjustments are needed, or there’s a need to clarify cross-department collaboration. Clearly articulate what will help the team succeed.

Discuss Opportunities for Improvement

Review ongoing challenges and brainstorm potential solutions. This might include refining processes, developing new skills, or implementing innovative tools. Invite constructive feedback from senior leaders to explore new ways of improving productivity and efficiency.

Explore Career Development

Create space to discuss career growth and development opportunities for team members. Are there skill gaps that training could address? What responsibilities could help individuals progress within the company? Identifying these opportunities shows ambition and readiness to contribute at a higher level.

Seek Feedback and Insights

Ask senior leaders for their perspective on the team’s performance and alignment with company goals. Encourage open dialogue by posing thoughtful questions, such as “How can we better support the company’s growth strategy?” or “Are there any upcoming initiatives where our team could add value?”

For more tips on building an effective skip level meeting agenda, check out this resource.

Plan Action Items

Wrap up by agreeing on specific action items and assigning ownership. Follow up with timelines and checkpoints to ensure progress is being made. This step shows your commitment to accountability and reinforces alignment between your team and senior leadership.