Skip-Level Opening Pocket Cards
Recall practical opening lines and traps for skip-level meetings.
Confidentiality "Is this confidential?" The team asks whether their manager will hear what they say. Your line I will share themes, not names, for normal feedback. I cannot keep safety, harassment, legal, or ethics issues off the record. Do not say "totally confidential" unless you can keep that promise in every category. It increases certainty and fairness without false reassurance. Purpose frame Manager audit versus work-system sensing The skip-level should reveal work-system signal, not stage a secret performance review. SCARF check What three threats should your opening reduce? Certainty, autonomy, and fairness. People need to know the purpose, choose how…
Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.
Already have an account? Sign in