The first time I heard of a manager readme, my reflex reaction was that it sounded self-important. Then I read a dozen examples and realized the document has nothing to do with ego. It is about establishing relationships.
This document is for a new colleague. I want us to be successful, and I want to make it easier for you to understand me and our working relationship.
My Role
My primary role is to make everyone around me successful. When you are quickly and consistently achieving your goals and delivering value to customers, you are contributing to the success of the department, the company, and me.
My objectives are to serve customers and the business, be a voice for product and engineering, act as a communication channel across the organization, and give feedback while being unfailingly kind.
What I Value
People first
My values hierarchy is person, team, company. If you are not enjoying being part of a team, I will spend time supporting you and helping find a better fit. If the company is not for you, I will help you find something better elsewhere.
Leadership at all levels
A title is not a source of influence or power. Leadership and influence are available at all levels, independent of role or reporting structure.
Alignment and autonomy
Autonomous teams are the keystone of high-performing companies. Alignment creates the context that lets autonomy work.
Expectations
I am an early riser. I often start early and protect time with my family later in the day. I may respond to messages outside normal hours, but that does not mean I expect you to do the same.
Ask when you need help. Asking for help is not weakness; it is a sign of being in tune with yourself and the work.
Meetings
Meetings should have a clear purpose and agenda. When the purpose has been met, the meeting should close. Filling timeboxes for their own sake is waste.
Vacations
When you go on vacation, you should be off. If that does not feel possible, there is an organizational problem worth fixing.
Communication
- Come talk to me: immediate response.
- Slack or text: usually quick.
- Email: medium response.
- Phone call: immediate response for urgent things.
Commitments, Mistakes, and Goals
Do what you say you will do. If you discover you cannot, say so. Own mistakes; they are learning opportunities. Set your own goals and work on them. I will encourage and support your journey, but it is your journey.
1:1s
I am a 1:1 zealot. At minimum, we will have them every other week for 30 minutes. You own the 1:1. If either of us dreads them, something is wrong and we should talk about it.