My wife’s manager wrote a manager’s README. She shares it with each new person on her team. It seemed like a great idea. I thought about writing one, too but was nervous about sharing it with others. You’ve inspired me to write one for next year.
Great tips! I came across the concept in the Rands Slack community first, and created mine. I also like the idea of titling it 'Manager's README - WIP.' This way, it's perceived not as something set in stone but as a current version or snapshot of leader/team relationships 😊
Thanks for the recommendation, this is the first time I heard about the community, applied now to join :)
Yeah, I think the best comment I got here is about it being a joint effort with the team, more like a team document. I think there is a place for both - one more focused on your principles and thoughts, and another one about the day to day of the team, which you should do together with them.
I can definitely see myself doing the same and following your example once I eventually make that switch into management. From an IC reading it, it makes a huge difference in how clear the expectations are.
This is such a great idea. In the past I've made great efforts to verbally go through this kind of thing individually with different team members. Creating a readme is so much more efficient. It's clear, you don't forget anything, you can update it as needed. Absolutely stealing this idea. Why didn't I think of this? Thanks for posting excellent content.
Yeah, it’s definitely more effective than trying to do it one by one. I think the biggest benefit is putting everything in the open - all the small things people might be afraid to ask or discuss.
Anton, your Manager's ReadMe is a brilliant initiative! Clear communication is the backbone of a successful team, and your transparent approach sets a great example. It's refreshing to see a leader who not only shares expectations but also emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and continuous improvement. Your dedication to helping your team grow and fostering a positive work environment truly shines through. Kudos on taking this step, and thanks for sharing your insights with the community
Thank you! Dalio has some great advice in that books. I lived the concept of employee baseball cards, but I'm not sure most organizations will be able to stomach it :)
Super cool doc Anton! This read was very insightful from the IC perspective. Some things I wished the doc contain (maybe some of those were discussed in the team) include but not limited to:
* sample topics/probing questions for effective Manager 1:1s. Sometimes ICs might be unsure of what topics are good for a 1:1 vs sharing in the team channel. Could also be good to outline what cadence you prefer to do Manager 1:1s
* How is feedback delivered from manager to reports and how does manager prefer to receive feedback from reports?
* Link to Role Expectation Guide from company (if any) since reports might tend to ask managers "whats expected in my current level vs. the next level?"
My wife’s manager wrote a manager’s README. She shares it with each new person on her team. It seemed like a great idea. I thought about writing one, too but was nervous about sharing it with others. You’ve inspired me to write one for next year.
I was very nervous too :)
Good luck!
Great tips! I came across the concept in the Rands Slack community first, and created mine. I also like the idea of titling it 'Manager's README - WIP.' This way, it's perceived not as something set in stone but as a current version or snapshot of leader/team relationships 😊
Thanks for the recommendation, this is the first time I heard about the community, applied now to join :)
Yeah, I think the best comment I got here is about it being a joint effort with the team, more like a team document. I think there is a place for both - one more focused on your principles and thoughts, and another one about the day to day of the team, which you should do together with them.
Super cool doc Anton and thanks for sharing.
I can definitely see myself doing the same and following your example once I eventually make that switch into management. From an IC reading it, it makes a huge difference in how clear the expectations are.
Thank you Jordan! I'm waiting to discuss your challenges after the inevitable transition :)
This is so comprehensive and I wish all my managers had done the same. Thanks for sharing Anton! Your reports are lucky to have a manager like you
Thanks Leo 🙏
this was an awesome read, thanks Anton
Thanks Neo! 🙏
This is such a great idea. In the past I've made great efforts to verbally go through this kind of thing individually with different team members. Creating a readme is so much more efficient. It's clear, you don't forget anything, you can update it as needed. Absolutely stealing this idea. Why didn't I think of this? Thanks for posting excellent content.
Yeah, it’s definitely more effective than trying to do it one by one. I think the biggest benefit is putting everything in the open - all the small things people might be afraid to ask or discuss.
Anton, your Manager's ReadMe is a brilliant initiative! Clear communication is the backbone of a successful team, and your transparent approach sets a great example. It's refreshing to see a leader who not only shares expectations but also emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and continuous improvement. Your dedication to helping your team grow and fostering a positive work environment truly shines through. Kudos on taking this step, and thanks for sharing your insights with the community
This is amazing! Anton, you are a very good manager to eliminate the guessing game with your reports! I learned something new today :)
Thank you Raviraj! 🙏
I love the way you manage your people! Impressive.
Thanks for sharing :)
Great management and communication tips. As Ray Dalio says in his book Principles: "Get and stay in sync."
Thank you! Dalio has some great advice in that books. I lived the concept of employee baseball cards, but I'm not sure most organizations will be able to stomach it :)
Super cool doc Anton! This read was very insightful from the IC perspective. Some things I wished the doc contain (maybe some of those were discussed in the team) include but not limited to:
* sample topics/probing questions for effective Manager 1:1s. Sometimes ICs might be unsure of what topics are good for a 1:1 vs sharing in the team channel. Could also be good to outline what cadence you prefer to do Manager 1:1s
* How is feedback delivered from manager to reports and how does manager prefer to receive feedback from reports?
* Link to Role Expectation Guide from company (if any) since reports might tend to ask managers "whats expected in my current level vs. the next level?"
Great questions, thank you! Will use them when I create a new one in my next role :)
This is a brilliant idea, especially for async teams. Low cost, high clarity, compounding trust. I'm in.
Thank you for sharing!
Curious to know how it’ll go for you :)
I love this idea!
Thank you Ken Ashe :)