Questions to Ask Your Skip Level Manager
Strategic questions to ask your skip-level manager (your manager's manager) to build relationships, gain insights, and advance your career within the organization.
1What are the key priorities and strategic initiatives for our department this quarter?
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What are the key priorities and strategic initiatives for our department this quarter?
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Why this works
Understanding department priorities helps you align your work with organizational goals and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
2How can I better contribute to the team's success and add more value to our projects?
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How can I better contribute to the team's success and add more value to our projects?
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Why this works
Learning about contribution opportunities helps you identify ways to increase your impact and visibility within the organization.
3What skills or experiences would be most valuable for my career development in this organization?
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What skills or experiences would be most valuable for my career development in this organization?
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Why this works
Understanding skill development needs helps you focus your learning efforts on areas that will advance your career.
4How does our team's work fit into the broader company strategy and goals?
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How does our team's work fit into the broader company strategy and goals?
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Why this works
Learning about the bigger picture helps you understand your role's importance and how to better contribute to company success.
5What are the biggest challenges facing our department, and how can I help address them?
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What are the biggest challenges facing our department, and how can I help address them?
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Why this works
Understanding department challenges helps you identify opportunities to contribute and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
6What opportunities are there for cross-functional collaboration or projects?
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What opportunities are there for cross-functional collaboration or projects?
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Why this works
Learning about collaboration opportunities helps you expand your network and gain experience in different areas of the business.
7How can I better communicate my ideas and contributions to leadership?
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How can I better communicate my ideas and contributions to leadership?
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Why this works
Understanding communication strategies helps you ensure your work is recognized and your ideas are heard by decision-makers.
8What does career progression look like in our organization, and what are the typical paths?
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What does career progression look like in our organization, and what are the typical paths?
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Why this works
Learning about career paths helps you understand advancement opportunities and plan your professional development.
9How can I build stronger relationships with other teams and departments?
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How can I build stronger relationships with other teams and departments?
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Why this works
Understanding relationship-building strategies helps you expand your network and create opportunities for collaboration.
10What feedback do you have on my recent work, and how can I continue to improve?
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What feedback do you have on my recent work, and how can I continue to improve?
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Why this works
Seeking feedback helps you understand your performance and identify areas for continued growth and development.
11What are the most important qualities you look for in team members who advance quickly?
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What are the most important qualities you look for in team members who advance quickly?
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Why this works
Learning about advancement qualities helps you understand what behaviors and skills to develop for career success.
12How can I better understand the business and industry trends that affect our work?
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How can I better understand the business and industry trends that affect our work?
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Why this works
Understanding business context helps you make better decisions and contribute more strategically to your team's work.
13What mentorship or development opportunities are available within the organization?
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What mentorship or development opportunities are available within the organization?
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Why this works
Learning about development opportunities helps you access resources that can accelerate your professional growth.
14How can I prepare myself for future leadership opportunities or expanded responsibilities?
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How can I prepare myself for future leadership opportunities or expanded responsibilities?
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Why this works
Understanding leadership preparation helps you develop the skills and experiences needed for advancement.
15What advice would you give to someone looking to make a significant impact in our organization?
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What advice would you give to someone looking to make a significant impact in our organization?
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Why this works
Their guidance can provide valuable insights into how to succeed and advance within your specific organizational culture.
Building Relationships with Skip-Level Managers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Skip-Level Communication
Be Strategic and Purposeful
Ask questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and show you're focused on contributing to organizational success.
Show Initiative and Value
Frame questions around how you can add value and contribute to team and organizational goals.
Build Genuine Relationships
Focus on building authentic professional relationships rather than just networking for personal gain.