# Dion Beetson's Manager Readme **Head of Software Engineering at MNF Group** # Why read this? To give you a snapshot of who I am, what motivates me, how I work and what it is like to work with me. Afterwards, if you're interested, you can find out more by grabbing a coffee with me (piccolo 1/2 sugar). # My purpose A fundamental belief of mine, is that when you spend the time building a successful engineering culture it has the ability to persevere not only in that organisation, but in any organisation a member of my team ventures onto.  That’s why my main focus is building an engineering culture that allows my team to grow, improve and modernise our technologies and practices. # What I value within people I value people who get genuinely excited about software development and all the challenges that comes with it. The people who stand out to me are those who take on certain additional responsibilities that would be part of the next role they aspire to within their career. These people bring smart ideas and improvements to the table, but also have the motivation and ability to execute and deliver on that idea. I have **additional respect** for people that run side projects in their own time (I also do this) to learn new technologies or practices. This represent to me that they show passion about the industry - and embrace it. On the flip side, I get frustrated at work when people don't take initiative and I have to constantly follow-up with them for updates and progress. Yep, I hate micromanagement. Not only should you be brave enough to make something your own, but be brave enough to see it through to completion - an idea is just an idea if it is never executed upon! # Some of my expectations I expect my team to want to be part of the team, to want to work on the projects they are part of, and to have the motivation to continuously look for ways to improve what we do - complacency has no place here. There are also the more passionate people who show initiative by going beyond what is expected, and reading in between the lines. If you have committed to something, please don't forget about it - keep a list if you think you might. Voice up quickly when there is an issue, mistake, or just something to improve upon - I will always patiently listen and support you where needed. Admitting ones own mistakes is a quick way to form trust Lastly, what I really don't stand for is a "negative and destructive attitude within any of my teams". # 1:on:1s & catching up I run 1:on:1s every week to start with, and then adjust the schedule to whatever we both find works. It's so important to realise that these sessions are for you - you lead what you want to talk about. Whether it is to discuss a challenge you are having, to chat about how the next 12 months look, or maybe just to bounce an idea off each other. Feel free to talk through how your area is going as I find it really exciting to hear about your space. Sometimes I will set specific topics to discuss to get us both thinking outside of the day to day. If I require updates from you, I will normally email/message you, and follow up in our 1:on:1s if necessary. I'm always interested in your career goals, or your ideas if you don't have a plan yet. Let's look at how this role is a stepping stone to your next role inside or outside the company. Need time with me? My calendar is always up to date (and public), otherwise message me to find out when I'm free. I'm unfortunately rarely at my desk (yes I'm always working on improving desk time) - if you see me just come around. # Personality quirks and other things I start with trust and I trust people from our first interaction, whether that's in an interview or our first meeting. Sometimes (very rarely) I get burned by this approach (please try to not break my trust), but most of the time I find it fast tracks an amazing relationship we can have, and it is one of the best risks I take every day when I meet new people. I have been known to get a little excited about changes and improvements. Just let me know if I'm pushing too much, too fast and we can find a balance. I really do enjoy messaging apps, but if I'm overusing it let me know. I'm normally always online, but usually only respond after hours if it is important. If I message you after hours and I haven't indicated it's urgent, feel free to respond on the next working day (I was most likely trying to clear my head). In meetings I prefer to think about the topics being discussed and process them before I make comments. Don't assume my silence in meetings as not being interested :-) Lastly, I balance all of this work, by exercising, mainly running, as it helps me remain calm and level headed. # Recommendations **Favourite book:** How to Win Friends & Influence People [https://www.amazon.com/How-Win...](https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034) **My Spotify playlist:** [https://open.spotify.com/user/...](https://open.spotify.com/user/12122511865/playlist/0G8zhVxyEIPPjbg3JdMYg7?si=ThE59iQeRZOAQJLQu0Q0KA) **My quote to leave you with:** "Always ensure your teams understand the context and purpose in what they do, then trust in them to collectively define and develop the solution."