Skip-Level 1:1

A skip-level 1:1 is a meeting between you and your manager's manager. The meeting exists for two reasons: you get a richer view of the org's actual priorities, and your manager's manager gets an unfiltered read on what is happening on the team. In the first 90 days, request one skip-level around week 6-8. Frame it as 'I want to make sure I understand the broader context my work fits into.' Most senior managers say yes immediately to this framing. Your manager should know the skip-level happened. Forward a one-line note after: 'had a great skip-level with [name], thanks for facilitating.' Skipping that note is how skip-levels turn into trust problems with your direct manager.