Do you actively encourage “skip level” meetings or just keep a general open door policy? What’s your take on CIO availability to those who aren’t your direct reports?
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As our team works basically fully remote I have my admin schedule me to have twice a year 1x1 skip level calls with each IT team member to ensure I talk to them at least twice a year individually at a minimum. During those calls I reinforce with them that they can of course contact me at any time if needs arise and not just at the twice yearly scheduled times.
It should be part of a suite of options made available, such as: 'open-door' (not always practical due to availability), in-person branch and occasional drop into team meetings, lunchtime catch-ups, formal 2-level below meetings, mentoring, monthly communication newsletters/emails etc.
Yes, I regularly hold skip-level meetings with employees who report to my managers. They're usually not long, but for me, it's a valuable part of any "open door" policy. Some people may hesitate to take the initiative to reach out to me, but if there's a meeting already on the schedule they know they'll have the opportunity to talk.
A skip level meeting without first establishing trust can be jarring for the employee. I recommend starting with an open door policy, establishing the trust and then slowly engaging the skip level meetings. This way it's not seen as a surprise or a way to meet an HR quota.
It is important for a CIO to be present and connected with the IT organization. An open door policy only works if you are available. I have an open-door policy, you can just stop in to talk and the subject can be anything, work or not. I ensure that I have unscheduled time each day so that they actually have an opportunity to meet with me. I also make my calendar available for anyone to schedule time with me (if there is an open spot on my calendar, they can schedule it). I hold regular townhalls and use a technology that lets anyone ask a question anonymously without any screening (if a question is asked it shows on the screen) and I answer every question. Lastly, when I go to the cafeteria for lunch, I make a point of sitting at the table with IT folks. All of these interactions demonstrate that I am approachable and desire to connect with my team.