First-Time Skip-Level Manager

Hi! It is really great that you are thinking of your directs and their directs in such a thoughtful way- well done. The first thing I would recommend is that your direct listen to our Trinity casts. If the very first thing they start with the new direct is One on Ones, you know they’re on the right track already. 

For you, I would listen to our skip level casts. I have put the links for some skip level casts below. I think these might help you get started. 

I hope this helps,

Kate

https://www.manager-tools.com/2010/07/skip-level-feedback

https://www.manager-tools.com/2011/07/bi-monthly-skip-level-reviews-part-1

https://www.manager-tools.com/2006/04/skip-levels

Hello DRD282,

Being a director (manager of managers) comes with a whole new set of challenges. Kudos that you're thinking about this. No doubt I've made lots of mistakes as a director. Made all new ones when one of my skip levels became a manager too. All of that said, look at your manager's behaviors with you and your directs. What does he/she do well and what might you do differently? For example, how does the communication take place between your manager and your directs? Something like this podcast might give you a framework to capture your thoughts. https://www.manager-tools.com/2009/08/delta-file

Recommend you search the site for the word "skip" and then filter to just podcasts. There are some great casts in there for your new role. For example, https://www.manager-tools.com/2006/04/skip-levels

This cast is a good reminder of what not to do. It's far too easy to make this mistake, especially when you're accustomed to everyone reporting to you alone. https://www.manager-tools.com/2009/11/my-boss-skips-me

Lastly, you might want to let your new manager direct know that you'll both be adjusting to your new roles. Open communication among you will be important for your benefit and that of your skips. Make sure the new manager knows that you respect him/her and when you inevitably skip them, it's not to imply the opposite.

Congratulations and enjoy the new challenge. It is fun.

Here is one more cast that will help with time sensitive items. Remember that you'll often need to act more quickly than before when getting information and/or tasks to your skips.

https://www.manager-tools.com/2011/06/one-third-planning-rule-part-1

I was just about to ask the same thing! :)