Conducting employee skip level meetings can be a valuable way to gain insights into your team’s perspectives and foster open communication. To ensure these meetings are effective, it’s helpful to have a structured template to guide the discussion. In this article, we provide a comprehensive employee skip level meeting template that you can customize to fit your specific needs.
Before jumping into the template, let’s lay the groundwork for successful skip level meetings. First, it’s important to create a safe and confidential environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feedback. Secondly, establish clear expectations and ground rules, including the frequency and duration of the meetings. Lastly, ensure that the skip level manager (the manager who meets with their team members’ direct reports) has the necessary time and support to facilitate these meetings.
Meeting Preparation
To set the stage for a productive employee skip level meeting, advance preparation is key. The skip level manager should allocate ample time to review employee performance, goals, and recent feedback. Additionally, they should prepare thought-provoking questions to encourage open dialogue and gather valuable insights.
For employees, preparing for the skip level meeting involves reflecting on their work experience, accomplishments, and areas for improvement. They should also consider any questions or concerns they wish to raise with the skip level manager. By actively preparing for the meeting, both parties contribute to a more meaningful and effective discussion.
Meeting Agenda
A well-structured meeting agenda is the backbone of an effective employee skip level meeting. Typically, the agenda includes the following sections:
- Introductions and icebreaker: Start the meeting by having everyone introduce themselves and share a brief update. This helps to create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.
- Review of employee performance: Discuss the employee’s recent performance, progress towards goals, and areas for improvement. This provides a basis for constructive feedback and recognition.
- Feedback and discussion: Encourage open and honest feedback from both the employee and the skip level manager. Address any concerns, questions, or suggestions in a respectful and collaborative manner.
- Career development and goals: Explore the employee’s career aspirations and discuss how the organization can support their professional growth. This helps to foster employee engagement and retention.
- Next steps and action items: Summarize the key discussion points and agree on any necessary action steps. This ensures that the meeting has clear outcomes and follow-up.
Meeting Follow-Up
To maximize the impact of employee skip level meetings, effective follow-up is crucial. The skip level manager should document the meeting notes, including key discussion points, action items, and any feedback received. They should also provide timely feedback to the employee’s direct manager to ensure alignment and support.
Additionally, consider sending a brief email to the meeting participants summarizing the key takeaways and expressing appreciation for their contributions. This helps to reinforce the value of the meeting and encourages ongoing dialogue. By prioritizing effective follow-up, organizations can maximize the benefits of employee skip level meetings and foster a culture of open communication and employee engagement.
