Luis Saffie README

Motivation
About me
My role
Traits I value most
What I dislike
Our average week
Communication
Principles
Feedback protocol
Expectations
Meetings
1:1s
My recommendation to the first 90 days
Books
References
Feedback

Motivation

I was made aware of this great idea of Manager READMEs. What is that? Don’t worry, I also thought the same thing, If you search the web for it, you’ll like find something like this:

A ReadMe is a user manual written by managers on their management style, philosophies, expectations, communication preferences, and more. Think of it like a “how to guide” for getting to know and working for your boss.

https://soapboxhq.com/blog/management-skills/49-manager-readmes

But adding to the above, I found this process useful as it allows for:

Introspection the way you work individually and with others
Single source of truth → Less confusion
A way to level the playing field → Everyone has access to the same information
History tracking via git 🤖 → You can understand how your thought process evolves over time

Truth be told, I felt a bit weird about writing this as it may sound like “listen to me” type of reading, but it really is not. Its sole purpose is to serve you and me to do great work together. Also, I’m super open to feedback and encourage such.

About me

Hi, I’m Luis :)

I spent the first 1/2 of my life in Chile and the second in Toronto. I went to University in Chile and in Toronto for Computer Engineering and Information Technology respectively (more here if you’re interested)

As far as my professional journey, I spent the first half working as a systems administrator. I enjoyed working with Linux servers, fibre optic cables, routers, etc. I even got certified in SCNA! Why? Well, I worked in a hospital setting for a few years and all their systems were Solaris ☀️

After a few years in systems, I got into software. I worked in a variety of applications in different languages. I paired that with building technology teams and working in business/leadership roles.

Let’s talk about more exciting things: I am not that good at sports but I enjoy playing soccer, cycling and skateboarding (a bit too old for the later though) I like to spend time with friends and family. I consider myself an extrovert for the most part. I always enjoy a good chat/hang out.

My role

I like to breakdown my role in two categories. Although both categories are hight interrelated, I find it helps me.

My role in the Company at large

Align my team’s goals and output with the overall company goal while using best technologies and practices. Along with this, always be in the look out for leverage opportunities. That is, create efficiencies and spaces for innovation and growth.

My role in the TEAM

The first part is to ensure we’re doing relevant work (see point above)

The second part can be said with three words: Work for you.

My job as a manager is to make sure I do everything possible to support you in your journey. Some examples of this can be:

Act as a rubber duck 🦆
Remove blockers
Provide you with environment that allows you to do your best work while enjoying it
Provide you with clear direction
Be there for you when you need me
Give you opportunities to develop your career in the direction you want ⬆️

Traits I value most

Thoughtfulness: When you take the time to think about a certain topic before giving an opinion

Data/Numbers: When you know your facts

Honesty: If you know or don’t know something, just say it. The first step to knowledge is accepting illiteracy

Directness: If you need to tell me something, just say it. Be sure you do it in a way that leaves no space for misinterpretation. I’ll do the same

Preparedness: If you need my opinion on something, I expect you to come prepared with facts, documents, etc. Interpersonal

For all the points above, you can also expect the same from me. And if I don’t do it, please call me out.

What I dislike

The opposite of the points above
Gossip
Micro-managing

Our average week

You’ll have a clear view of what’s needed to be done and by when. You’ll work with your team and I to get it done.

We’ll have lots of time to discuss various topics via Slack, 1:1s, passing by conversations, standups, etc. I like to use Slack the most. I like to aim for 80% Slack, 20% other type of communication (see Communication)

You’ll generally find me by my desk, likely with headphones on, working through my tickets. Although, I respect the headphones rule. You’ll probably always find me with headphones on - I got used to it. Feel free to Slack me or stop by if we need to have a chat.

Expect me to ask lots of questions when I don’t know something but I will do my part to be as ready as possible. I hope you do the same.

Communication

I believe that communication is about 80% of the work. If you and I are able to communicate well, we’ve set ourselves up with the best chances for success.

Traits of good communication (my definition)

Clarity
Empathy
Directness
Respect
Active listening

Other than that, I am a fan of communication via writing. Once goals are clear. I like to use writing as way to remain in touch, and make quick decisions. I find that this form of communication enhances the overall experience. Writing is generally more efficient as it forces the parties to think more about what’s to be communicated. Aside from this, you can use other types of communication aids - emojis, photos, links, etc. 😀

Principles

Once you do anything a number of times, you’ll realize that there are usually patterns for many things. For those in software, think Design Patterns

I tend to codify everything I can and I’m always adding/removing items from my think process. Here are the ones that I find I refer to often

Pareto principle
Truth always prevails
Start with the end
First principles

Ray Dalio recently released a book named Principles. This book goes into great detail about what this subject is about and how he approaches his personal and business life. I recommend it

Feedback protocol

One of the things I learned early in my career was that regardless of feedback being positive or negative, always be clear in your communication so that there’s no confusion. You can expect that from me, I will always strive to be clear and straightforward. I am a big believer in Radical Candor -** I care personally and challenge directly**

cadence

We will have many opportunities to provide each other feedback. My style is to give feedback as soon as possible. I find that it works best.

Expectations

I am a believer in treat other the way you would like to be treated. See Traits I value most and What I dislike

From a day to day at work point of view, I expect you to:

Take ownership of your work
Always strive to do your best
Empower your peers
Ask questions when things aren’t clear
Communicate often
Do what you said you would do and if you can’t for some reason, communicate appropriately.

Meetings

I like useful meetings but I do not like too many meetings.

Because meetings can easily become a big time sucker, I follow certain guidelines:

Show up on time and leave on time. Be respectful of everyone’s time.
No status update meetings
Book room in advanced if needed
Send agenda well in advanced of meeting
keep them as short as possible - to the point
Start in the middle: I don’t know where I read this but it refers to bypassing all the initial chatter and jumping straight in the heart of the conversation
No devices: Since meeting time is so valuable, we should treat it as such. Unless you’re taking notes, no devices please.
Have a goal. Every meeting should have a goal, be sure to use your time wisely to achieve such goal.
Send action items right after meeting
End on time
If a meeting must be recurrent, be sure they have an end date (12 months max)

http://lsaffie.com/Posts/2017/12/31/principles.html#meetings

1:1s

1:1s is a safe space for us to discuss anything you want. Come prepared. I will most likely have my notes ready if there’s something I would like to bring up. I also think of 1:1s as a space for us to build a solid bond. I will strive for that.

You set the agenda - spoiler alert: It’s not status update
Biweekly + whenever you think it’s needed
use https://www.small-improvements.com or something else but come prepared

http://lsaffie.com/Posts/2017/12/27/one-on-ones.html

My recommendation to the first 90 days

I like to break this down in thirds

0-30 days

Set biweekly 1:1s with me Learn as much as possible by listening, taking notes, asking questions Learn the motivation of the job and what’s already there Understand the interrelation of different components of your job Resist the temptation to oversimplify and solve yet Build relations with people inside and outside your team

This will help you build a foundation for your next days

30-60 days

Take everything you learned in your first 30 days and start to apply it Begin to draw insights, make decisions and solve problems Continue to build relations and trust Get some quick wins out of the way

60-90 days

Execute on more quick wins and have a plan of execution for the larger picture. Apply creative thinking and to everything you’ve learned and are trying to solve

Books

I love reading. It’s such a great way to learn about any topic. Here’s my goodreads profile - It’s not fully up to date as I have an Audible subscription that’s not in sync with goodreads

Aside from books, I read articles I find on the web. Here’s my Pocket list with favourites and recommended sections.

References

Many of the Books above

Pocket list