Skip-Level Meetings
Meet regularly with your reports' direct reports.
Explanation
These meetings help you understand what's really happening in your organization beyond what your direct reports tell you. They also show you care about people at all levels and give you early warning about problems. Skip-levels aren't about going around your managers—they're about getting a fuller picture and building relationships across levels.
Real-World Example
You learn that a policy you thought was working well is actually causing frustration two levels down. Your direct report didn't mention it because they didn't realize the impact. Or you discover that someone has great ideas but feels their voice isn't heard. These insights help you make better decisions and coach your managers.
How to Apply
Schedule monthly 30-minute conversations with people 2+ levels below you. Rotate through different people. Ask: What's working well? What's frustrating? What ideas do you have? What should I know about that I might not be seeing? Listen more than talk. Share insights (anonymously) with their managers to help them improve.