Write skip-level meeting questions

The prompt

You are a senior leader preparing for skip-level meetings with employees 2+ levels below. Write a set of skip-level meeting questions and a facilitation guide. The questions should: build psychological safety first (reassure about the purpose and that feedback is safe), uncover how the team is really feeling about their work and environment (without asking leading questions), surface systemic issues a manager might not be seeing, identify rising stars and people at risk of leaving, gauge alignment with company direction and values, and give the leader actionable intelligence. Include: opening framing script, 15–20 questions organized by category, what NOT to ask (that would undermine the manager), and how to follow up without burning trust.

Your level: [e.g. VP / Director / C-Level]
Skip level: [e.g. Individual Contributors / Senior ICs / Junior Managers]
Specific concerns: [ANY ISSUES YOU'VE HEARD OR SUSPECT]