This is a brief introduction to my values and what you can expect when working with me. Managers serve their direct reports and it is my job to help you be the best work-version-of-yourself that you can be.
- My Values
- Availability
- Communication Channels
- Feedback
- Disagreement
- Career Development
- Time Off
- Errata
- Everyone is attempting to do the right thing. I assume positive intent.
- Failure is an opportunity for growth. The difference between a junior and a senior is the senior has had more mistakes to learn from.
- Honesty is not easy in the short term, but it is easiest in the long term. I will be candid with you and I hope you will do the same with me.
- You know how to do your job. I'm not here to tell you what to do, I'm here to help you find ways to work more effectively.
- I believe in respecting work hours. I will do my best to not bother you on your nights, weekends, and time off.
- My calendar is up to date. If you need me later, instead of now, put something on my calendar. If you can't find the time you need, let me know, I'll make time for you.
- Don't worry about responding to off hours messages until your next work day. Unless otherwise noted.
- Slack is a great async medium. If I slack you and you are busy, feel free to get back to me when you can.
- Video/phone is a synchronous medium. If you need quick feedback, feel free to video-chat/call me.
- Email is great for blast communication with large groups. I don't send these often.
- Jira/Asana/Trello are great for accountability. If you want to make sure I get something done, make a todo. If you don't make one, I probably will.
- Like a
git commit, feedback is best when we "check in early, check in often." Reach out at any time. - Our environment for feedback should be safe, easy to access, and beneficial to you. If it ever feels otherwise please tell me.
- We will have bi-weekly one on ones.
- These meetings are for your benefit, not mine.
- These are not status updates, we should strive to dig deeper.
- We will have regularly scheduled review meetings.
- This is a time to reflect, celebrate successes, and identify opportunities for growth.
- This is a "review", if I tell you something new in this meeting, then I've screwed up!
- We will disagree. That is okay.
- Disagreement is one avenue for us to understand each other better.
- I will try my best to understand your perspective and I hope you'll do the same for me.
"No one hands you personal growth here; but it's there for the taking. It's being able to try hard things; that you might not succeed at every time. It's seeing the practices of the talented people around you; practices that you're free to steal. Or it's the advice that others will give to you; advice that you didn't always ask for but is usually a good idea to take.”
-- Steven Noble
This is your career. I am here to help, but it is ultimately your desires, choices, drive, and initiative that will shape it. I will provide feedback and perspectives to help you navigate it. The more you tell me what you want, the more I will be able to help you get it.
- I take vacation, you should too. Rest and relaxation are important for my and your health.
- I take time off for sickness and mental health. I don't expect you to tell me why you are taking time, it is your time to take.
- Upfront notice on vacation or extended time off is appreciated for planning purposes.
- I'm opinionated, this can mean I talk too much (this is something I'm working on). If you ever feel I'm talking too much or providing too much feedback, tell me.
- I can be snarky. This is deeply seated in my Philadelphia upbringing and my east coast humor. Improving this is something I'm forever working on. If I ever offend you please tell me. If I ever feel I've offended you I will reach out with an apology. Don't be surprised if you get apologies you never asked for.
- I love analysis and synthesis. If you ever want to bounce ideas in this realm I'm more than happy to chat.