# Dominik Modrzejewski's Manager Readme

**Head of PR at DevSkiller**

# What is this readme for?

This readme is supposed to streamline the process of getting to know me as a human, as a professional, and as a manager.

_Disclaimer: This document is not meant to replace the process of actually getting to know each other IRL :)_

# Me as a human

I was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland. I still live here. I truly love this city, especially the right bank of the Vistula river.

I'm married. No kids.

I like to run. I finished 6 marathons.

In my free time, I like to play computer games (mostly strategy and logic) and watch horror movies.

# Me as a professional

I graduated in Law and in Economics (M.Sc. in both cases).

I started my professional career as a journalist. First I was a TV reporter, then an editor-in-chief of a news portal.

After a few years, I switched to the other side of the force (i.e. PR). I started in banking but over the years I was gradually moving to the tech industry.

In January 2020 I reached a big milestone on my journey towards tech, joining CD Projekt Group.

If you'd like to learn more about my professional development, please take a look at [my LinkedIn profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominikmodrzejewski/).

# Me as a manager

The main part of my job is to attract, retain, and develop world-class talents (that's you). If I do (or don't do) something that negatively impacts my ability to achieve that, please let me know asap.

You know better than me how to do your job. But I can help you by:

- eliminating potential obstacles,
- sharing my knowledge,
- putting my ideas forward,
- feedbacking your ideas,
- setting a context for our work.

I'm also your and your team's ambassador and representative towards the rest of the company and, well, the world. If you feel I can facilitate your cooperation with anyone internally or externally, I'm here for you.

# My attitude

I assume you're good at what you do. You wouldn't be here if you weren't.

I'm a "yes" man. I believe the only way for human beings and organizations to grow is by moving out of our comfort zones. If you want to do something new, I say "let's do it".

I have a hands-on approach. If you don't have the capacity to do something and I know how to do it, I'm happy to help.

Words of wisdom I believe in:

- Always start with "why".
- Do or do not. There is no try.
- It always seems impossible until it’s done.
- Done is better than perfect.
- Fail harder.  

# On communication

I strongly believe in the power of open communication and trust-based relationships.

You can ask me anything. Most of the time, I'll answer. If I don't know the answer or can't share it with you at the moment, I'll be honest about it. I'll never lie to you.

You can tell me about everything. By default, it'll stay only between the two of us unless we agree otherwise.

If you need to talk, let's talk. I keep my calendar up-to-date, so feel free to put something in my calendar without asking for permission.

If my calendar is full, send me an e-mail or Slack message and I'll find time for you.

# On feedback

I'm committed to building a feedback culture.

I do my best to share proper productive feedback that will help you grow. I expect you to do the same thing for me. You'll do me a huge favor if you let me know how I can improve my work.

At the same time, I strive to cultivate gratitude and positive reinforcement. Please don't feel embarrassed if I praise you publicly :)

Both your and my ideas can be improved. Let's do that by talking them through.

If it sounds like I’m questioning your idea, I’m most likely just playing devil’s advocate.

# On one-on-one's

Regular one-on-one meetings are our dedicated slots in time and space to focus and discuss work-related stuff. I prefer to start with 30 minutes bi-weekly and then adjust the length and frequency according to the needs.

If we have an ad hoc one-on-one, I like to have a clear understanding of what we'll be discussing beforehand. In my experience, it makes meetings more streamlined and fruitful.

In some cases, I may need a quick status update that can't wait till our next one-on-one. To that end, I’ll sometimes ping you with a question over Slack. Please don't hesitate to do the same thing if you need an update from me.

# Personality quirks

For 1.5 years, I've lived in Melbourne, Australia. This sabbatical has been a very important experience for me. Expect me to drop Australian references here and there.

I may share with you some interesting (at least in my opinion;) links from time to time. Please don't treat them as a call to action different than reading and (optional) sharing your thoughts.

I have a bias towards dark humor & bad jokes. I strive to bite my tongue in professional situations but I haven't achieved 100% effectiveness here yet. Please accept my apologies if I happen to cross the line.